Types of Phishing Scams Everyone Should Know About

Outlook Money

Types of Phishing Scams

Phishing scams trick people into revealing personal info, money, or account access. They appear as emails, calls, texts, or social media messages, often disguised as trusted sources.

Email Phishing

A scam email asks you to click a link, send money, open an attachment, or share private info. The sender may look real and use personal details to trick you.

Domain Spoofing

Phishers modify legitimate company domains to create fake addresses. You might see an email that looks official, but it’s designed to steal your information without your knowledge.

Voice Phishing

Scammers call, pretending to be trusted people or organizations. They may hide their number, keep you on the line, and pressure you to share sensitive details or take quick action.

SMS Phishing

Texts imitate reputable organizations, often creating urgency. Messages usually contain links or phone numbers, prompting you to act fast. Mobile messaging services are increasingly targeted.

Scam

Social Media Phishing

Criminals use posts or direct messages to lure victims. Scams may promise giveaways, mimic official pages, or impersonate friends, sometimes building trust before exploiting it for personal info.

Clone Phishing

A real message is copied, but legitimate links or attachments are replaced with harmful ones. This can appear in emails, texts, or social media, making it difficult to spot at first glance.

Protect Yourself from Phishing

Stay alert online. Verify sources, avoid suspicious links or attachments, and never share personal or financial information. Simple caution can keep you safe from scams.