Common Phishing Scams and How to Spot Them | JKSSB Mock Test
Common Phishing Scams and How to Spot Them
Phishing is one of the oldest and most persistent forms of cybercrime, yet it remains devastatingly effective in 2025. In phishing attacks, criminals disguise themselves as trustworthy entities — such as banks, government agencies, or popular online platforms — to trick you into revealing personal information like passwords, credit card numbers, or login credentials. These scams rely on manipulation, urgency, and deception rather than technical hacking skills, making them dangerous to anyone with an email address, phone, or social media account.
Why Phishing Works So Well
Phishing succeeds because it exploits human psychology. Attackers use tactics such as fear, curiosity, greed, or urgency to prompt quick action before the victim can think critically. Even tech-savvy individuals can fall victim if the message appears authentic or arrives at the right time.
Major Types of Phishing Scams
1. Email Phishing
The most common type, where attackers send mass emails that appear to come from reputable sources. The goal is to get recipients to click malicious links or download infected attachments.
- Example: An email from “support@yourbank.com” asking you to “verify your account” due to suspicious activity.
- Red flags: Generic greetings (“Dear Customer”), suspicious sender address, urgent tone, spelling errors.
2. Spear Phishing
Unlike general email phishing, spear phishing is highly targeted. Attackers research the victim to craft a believable message, often posing as a colleague or friend.
- Example: An email from your boss asking for immediate wire transfer of funds for an “urgent project.”
- Red flags: Requests for confidential information, unusual financial instructions, unexpected attachments.
3. Whaling
A specialized form of spear phishing targeting high-level executives or decision-makers. Whaling often uses scenarios involving legal matters, tax documents, or CEO directives.
- Example: A fake email from the “IRS” demanding immediate payment of overdue taxes.
4. Smishing (SMS Phishing)
Attackers use text messages to lure victims into clicking malicious links or calling fraudulent numbers.
- Example: “Your package delivery is pending. Click here to confirm: [malicious link].”
5. Vishing (Voice Phishing)
Phone calls where attackers pretend to be tech support, bank representatives, or government officials.
- Example: A caller claiming to be from “Microsoft” saying your computer has a virus and needs immediate remote access.
6. Clone Phishing
The attacker copies a legitimate email you received previously, replacing the links or attachments with malicious versions.
7. Social Media Phishing
Fake messages or posts designed to harvest credentials or spread malware.
- Example: A friend’s compromised account sending you a “shocking video” link that asks you to log in again.
Common Signs of a Phishing Attempt
- Suspicious Sender: The email address may look legitimate but contain slight spelling differences (e.g., “paypa1.com” instead of “paypal.com”).
- Urgency or Fear: Messages push you to act immediately to avoid loss or penalty.
- Too Good to Be True: Promises of prizes, lottery wins, or large sums of money.
- Unusual Links: Hovering over a link reveals a mismatched or strange URL.
- Attachments from Unknown Sources: Particularly those ending in .exe, .scr, or .zip.
How to Spot and Avoid Phishing
1. Inspect the Sender’s Email Address
Don’t rely solely on the display name — check the actual email address for misspellings or domain mismatches.
2. Hover Over Links Before Clicking
This reveals the true destination. If the link doesn’t match the text or is unrelated to the supposed sender, don’t click it.
3. Look for HTTPS
While not foolproof, legitimate websites handling sensitive data should use HTTPS. However, note that scammers can also get HTTPS certificates.
4. Verify Through Official Channels
If a message claims to be from your bank, contact the bank directly using a verified number or website, not the information in the message.
5. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Even if your password is stolen, MFA adds an extra step for attackers to bypass before accessing your account.
6. Keep Software Updated
Updates patch security flaws that phishing links might try to exploit.
7. Train Yourself and Your Team
Awareness is the best defense. Regularly review phishing examples and test recognition skills.
Phishing Tactics and Triggers Table
| Phishing Type | Typical Bait | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Email Phishing | Fake account alerts, password resets | Steal credentials |
| Spear Phishing | Personalized work-related requests | Financial theft or espionage |
| Whaling | Legal or executive-level matters | Large-scale fraud |
| Smishing | Delivery notifications, banking alerts | Steal credentials or spread malware |
| Vishing | Tech support or bank call | Gain remote access or payment |
What to Do if You Fall for a Phishing Scam
- Change Passwords Immediately: Especially for compromised accounts.
- Enable MFA: Adds another layer of security.
- Contact Your Bank or Service Provider: Inform them of potential fraud.
- Scan Devices: Use updated antivirus tools to remove malware.
- Report the Scam: Forward phishing emails to your country’s cybercrime authority (e.g., reportphishing@apwg.org).
Conclusion
Phishing is constantly evolving, blending social engineering with technical deception to exploit human trust. By staying aware of the latest tactics, inspecting messages carefully, and practicing safe online habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim. Remember: when in doubt, verify before you click — because a moment’s caution can save you from a costly cyber disaster.
