Phishing is a common type of online scam where attackers try to trick people into giving away personal information, like passwords, credit card numbers, or bank account details. This usually happens through emails, text messages, or fake websites that look like they’re from a trustworthy source, such as a bank, a popular online service, or even someone you know. The goal of phishing is to get you to click on a link, open an attachment, or share sensitive information without realizing it’s a scam.

One of the reasons phishing is so dangerous is that it’s easy for attackers to send out large numbers of fake emails or messages, hoping that a few people will fall for the trick. Often, these messages create a sense of urgency, like saying your account has been locked or that you need to confirm your details right away. The more believable the message, the more likely someone is to act quickly without thinking, which is exactly what the attacker wants.

Phishing works by playing on emotions like fear or curiosity. You might get an email that looks like it’s from your bank, warning you of suspicious activity on your account. Worried, you click the link to check your account, but instead, you’ve been directed to a fake website where the attacker steals your information. Because phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated and harder to spot, it’s important to know how to recognize them and avoid falling for these scams.