Learn to Identify Phishing 

Introduction 

Phishing is a type of cyber-attack where attackers disguise themselves as trustworthy entities to steal sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details. This document will help you recognize common signs of phishing and protect yourself from these malicious attempts. 

Common Signs of Phishing 

1. Suspicious Sender 

Always check the sender's email address. Phishing emails often come from addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but have slight misspellings or use public domains like @gmail.com instead of a company's official domain. 

2. Generic Greetings 

Be cautious of emails that start with generic greetings like "Dear Customer" instead of your name. Legitimate companies usually address you by your name. 

3. Urgent or Threatening Language 

Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency or fear, such as claiming your account will be suspended if you don't act immediately. This tactic is used to prompt quick, unthinking action. 

4. Unusual Requests 

Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information like passwords, Social Security numbers, or credit card details via email. Be wary of any email requesting such information. 

5. Suspicious Links and Attachments 

Hover over any links to see where they actually lead. If the URL looks suspicious or doesn't match the company's website, do not click it. Also, be cautious with unexpected attachments, as they may contain malware. 

6. Poor Grammar and Spelling 

Many phishing emails contain spelling mistakes and poor grammar. This can be a red flag indicating the email is not from a reputable source. 

7. Too Good to Be True Offers 

Be skeptical of emails offering large sums of money, prizes, or other deals that seem too good to be true. These are often bait to lure you into providing personal information. 

What to Do If You Suspect Phishing 

-Do Not Click Links or Download Attachments: If you suspect an email is a phishing attempt, do not click any links or download attachments. 

-Verify the Source: Contact the company directly using a verified method to confirm the email's legitimacy. 

-Report the Email: Report the suspicious email to your email provider or the company being impersonated. 

-Delete the Email: Once reported, delete the email from your inbox. 

Conclusion 

By staying vigilant and recognizing the common signs of phishing, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these malicious attacks. Always verify the source of unexpected emails and be cautious with any requests for personal information.