Phishing attacks are often designed with one ultimate goal in mind: financial exploitation. While the methods and tactics may vary, the endgame for most phishing schemes is to extract money from individuals or organizations. Attackers use a range of strategies to achieve this, whether through direct theft, fraud, or ransom. In some cases, phishing is also leveraged by nation-states and hacktivist groups, whose goals may extend beyond financial gain, but still lead to severe economic consequences. Here are the key ways in which phishers seek financial gain: