You check your email and see a message from your bank. It looks urgent — something about suspicious activity on your account. You click the link, log in to “verify”… and just like that, a scammer has your credentials. This is one example of Phishing & Email Scams.
Welcome to the world of phishing — one of the most common and dangerous forms of cybercrime targeting the general public every single day.
Phishing scams are designed to trick you into giving away personal information, such as passwords, banking details, or even OTPs. These scams often appear to come from trusted sources — your bank, Amazon, a government agency, or even a colleague.
This guide will help you understand how Phishing & Email Scams works, the most common tactics used by scammers, and what you can do to protect yourself.
🐟 What Is Phishing?
Phishing is a cyberattack that uses deceptive emails or messages to trick you into doing something harmful — like clicking a malicious link, opening an infected attachment, or entering sensitive information into a fake website.
The word comes from “fishing” — casting bait and hoping someone bites. And in today’s digital world, phishing bait is everywhere.
📬 Common Types of Phishing & Email Scams
1. Email Phishing
The most traditional form. You’ll receive an email that appears to be from a known brand, urging you to:
- Click a link to reset a password
- Verify a suspicious login
- Confirm your identity due to “account issues”
💡 Tip: Always hover over links to check the real URL before clicking.
2. Spear Phishing
A targeted form of phishing. Instead of sending to thousands of random people, the scammer targets you specifically — using your name, workplace, or recent activity to sound convincing.
🎯 Example:
“Hi John, please review the attached invoice.”
3. Whaling
This targets high-level individuals like executives, CEOs, or finance officers. The emails are crafted with care, often requesting urgent money transfers or sensitive documents.
4. Smishing & Vishing
- Smishing: Phishing via SMS
- Vishing: Phishing via voice call
📱 Example:
“Your electricity bill is overdue. Click this link to avoid disconnection.”
📞 Example:
“We’re from your bank’s fraud department. Can you verify your account details?”
🧠 How to Spot a Phishing Email
Here’s a quick checklist to help you recognise the red flags:
| 🔍 Red Flag | 🚩 What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Suspicious sender address | Looks like a trusted name, but with odd characters |
| Spelling or grammar errors | Poor language is a common giveaway |
| Urgency or threats | “Act now or your account will be closed” |
| Unfamiliar links or attachments | Hover before you click — never open random attachments |
| Generic greetings | “Dear customer” instead of your name |
| Requests for personal information | No legitimate company asks for this via email |
🛡 How to Protect Yourself from Phishing
- Never click on suspicious links
If in doubt, go directly to the website instead of using email links. - Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
Even if your password is stolen, 2FA adds an extra layer of security. - Update your devices and antivirus software
Regular updates patch security flaws that phishing scams exploit. - Report phishing attempts
In India, report phishing emails to report.phishing@cybercrime.gov.in or through the Cybercrime Portal. - Educate yourself and others
Share this article — awareness is your best defence.
📌 Real-Life Example
In 2024, thousands of users received a fake email from a “government tax office” offering a refund. The link directed victims to a cloned website that stole bank logins. Losses ran into crores.
What went wrong?
- The domain looked almost real (gov-refund.in instead of gov.in)
- The message created urgency and promised money
- Users clicked without verifying
✅ Final Thoughts
Phishing isn’t going away. In fact, it’s evolving — faster, smarter, and more deceptive than ever.
But with a bit of caution, a few good habits, and the right awareness, you can stay ahead of the scammers and help protect your friends, family, and community from falling victim.
🧩 What To Do If You’ve Fallen for a Scam
- Change your passwords immediately
- Enable 2FA on all accounts
- Contact your bank or service provider
- File a report at cybercrime.gov.in
- Watch for suspicious activity on your accounts
Stay alert. Stay informed. Stay secure.
Follow CTJ for more cyber safety insights that matter to you.
Leave a comment