How can you protect yourself from phishing?
Identity theft
A type of crime in which your private information is stolen and used for criminal activity
Private information
Information that can be used to identify you because it is unique to you (e.g., your full name
or your address)
Internet scam
An attempt to trick someone online, usually with the intention of stealing money or private information.
Phishing
When someone poses as an institution, like a bank or a school, and sends you a personalized message asking you to provide private information.
Shortened URL
A web address that has been condensed and that could potentially mislead a user into going into a risky website.
Here's more information about how to identify phishing (phishing clues)
Sense of urgency
When the sender says you only have a limited time to respond.
Spelling and grammar errors
A real company does not send out messages with such errors.
Alert! Alert!
The message sounds urgent, making you worry that something is wrong with your account.
"Friend" in trouble
You see a photo of someone you know, but the message isn't really
from them.
Shortened URL
A web address that has been condensed and that could mislead a user into going into a risky website (yeah or it could be a rickroll)
Too good to be true
Identity thieves often offer easy chances to win free money or prizes.
Generic or missing greeting
Real companies send messages that address customers by name.
