In today’s digital age, staying safe online is just as important as locking your front door. Phishing scams have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting not just businesses but everyday families as well. These scams are designed to trick you into giving away personal information, login credentials, or even your hard-earned money.
Here are five common phishing scams your family should know about—and how to avoid them.
1. Email Scams Posing as Popular Brands
Have you ever received an email that looks like it’s from Amazon, Netflix, or even your bank? These emails often claim there’s an issue with your account or that you need to confirm some personal information. The links might look legitimate, but they lead to fake websites that steal your data.
How to Spot It:
- Urgent subject lines like “Your account is suspended!”
- Requests to “verify” your password or payment info
- Links that are slightly misspelled (e.g., “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”)
Tip: Never click on links in suspicious emails. Go directly to the official website instead.
2. Fake Tech Support Calls
Scammers often call pretending to be from Microsoft, Apple, or other tech companies, warning you about a virus on your computer. They’ll ask for remote access or payment to “fix” the problem.
How to Spot It:
- Unsolicited calls from tech companies
- Pressure to act quickly to avoid a major issue
- Requests to install software or share your screen
Tip: No real tech company will call you out of the blue. Hang up and contact the company directly if you’re unsure.
3. Social Media Impersonation Scams
Scammers create fake profiles of your friends or family members and send you private messages asking for money, help, or personal information. These messages often play on emotions, claiming they’re in trouble or stuck while traveling.
How to Spot It:
- Messages asking for money via gift cards or wire transfers
- Poor grammar or unusual behavior from someone you know
- Brand-new accounts with few followers or posts
Tip: Always double-check with the person via another communication method before sending anything.
4. Phishing Text Messages (Smishing)
Text message phishing—called smishing—is becoming more common. These texts might say you’ve won a prize, have a package to claim, or need to confirm account activity.
How to Spot It:
- Unexpected texts from delivery services, banks, or unknown numbers
- Links with shortened URLs (e.g., bit.ly links)
- Requests for sensitive info through text
Tip: Don’t click on links or reply to these messages. Delete them immediately.
5. Fake Job Offers and Online Marketplaces
Job scams are on the rise, especially for teenagers and college students looking for part-time work. These scammers offer fake jobs that require you to pay upfront for training or equipment. Similarly, fake sellers on marketplaces like Facebook or Craigslist lure buyers with “too good to be true” deals.
How to Spot It:
- Jobs that promise high pay for little work
- Requests for payment upfront
- Sellers who ask to be paid outside secure platforms
Tip: Research companies before accepting any job offer, and only buy from trusted sellers.
Final Thoughts: How to Stay Safe
Phishing scams continue to evolve, but a few basic habits can help protect your family:
- Educate everyone in your household, including kids and older adults, about common scams.
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
- Keep software and antivirus programs updated.
- Report scams to your local authorities or cybersecurity watchdogs.
The more you know, the harder it is for scammers to succeed. Stay alert, and stay safe online!