🎣 How to Spot Phishing Messages — Even When They Look Real

Posted: June 2, 2025

Phishing is one of the most common ways people get hacked — and it's getting harder to recognize. A phishing message is designed to look real, gain your trust, and trick you into giving up something valuable, like your password or money.

Here are 5 simple ways to spot phishing messages:

1. The message creates urgency

If an email or SMS says things like "Your account will be blocked in 1 hour" or "Immediate action required," take a pause. Scammers use pressure tactics to rush you into mistakes.

2. It asks for sensitive information

Legitimate organizations will never ask you to send your password, PIN, or card details through email, text, or chat.

3. The link doesn’t match the real website

Hover over the link (on a computer) or long-press it (on mobile) before clicking. If the domain looks suspicious, don’t click. Example: bank-secure-login.com is not the same as bank.com.

4. Poor grammar or odd phrasing

Many phishing messages contain awkward language, spelling mistakes, or strange formatting. That’s often a red flag that the sender is not who they claim to be.

5. The sender’s email address is off

The name may look familiar, but always check the actual email address. If it says something like support@paypalsecurity-alerts.ru, it’s fake.

What to do if you're unsure:

Don’t click. Visit the company’s website directly instead.
Contact the sender through official support channels.
Report suspicious emails to your email provider or IT/security team.

Phishing is effective because it's psychological. But with awareness and a few quick checks, you can avoid falling for it — even when it looks convincing.