What is phishing, and what are the dangers?
Phishing is a scam where someone poses a trusted source, such as an email, phone call, or website, to steal your personal information. The dangers of phishing include identity theft and financial fraud. Be aware of the warning signs of a phishing attack and take steps to protect yourself.

How to protect yourself from phishing emails

• When you receive an email that seems suspicious, be sceptical. Scammers use common tricks and phrases to try and trick you into clicking on a link or opening a file. Don’t trust any email that asks for your personal information, especially if it doesn’t seem familiar.
• If something feels off about an email, don’t reply right away. Phishing emails often ask you to react immediately to confirm your identity or provide additional information. Wait until you have more information before responding, and be sure to search online to see if anyone has already reported the email as suspicious.
• Be cautious when downloading attachments from emails, especially if they’re unexpected or seem strange. Many phishing scams involve attaching malicious files that can steal your passwords or other confidential information. If the attachment looks suspicious, don’t open it!

What to do if you think you’ve been scammed

• If you have any doubts about a transaction, whether it be something small like an online purchase or something more significant like a large investment, err on caution and consult with trusted friends or family before proceeding.
• If you are contacted by someone who seems to be from a reputable source, do not provide your personal information (such as your Social Security number) until you have independently verified that the person is legitimate. You are comfortable with the terms of any proposed deal.
• Do not wire money or send any other form of payment to someone you do not know or trust; if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Report any suspected scams to your national consumer protection agency and local police department as soon as possible.

In conclusion, phishing is a severe threat that can easily lead to identity theft or other financial losses. However, there are some simple steps that you can take to protect yourself from these attacks. First, be suspicious of any email or other communication that asks for your personal information. Please do not click on any links or open any attachments unless you are sure they are legitimate. Also, make sure that your computer is protected with antivirus software and a firewall, and keep your software up to date.