Phishing & Scam Awareness
Phishing and scams are some of the most common cyber threats facing everyday people. They often arrive through email, text messages, phone calls, or social media and are designed to create urgency, fear, or trust.
This page explains how scams work, how to recognize warning signs, and what to do if something goes wrong.
🎣 What Is Phishing?
Phishing is a type of scam where attackers pretend to be a trusted person or organization in order to steal information or money.
Phishing attempts may try to:
- Trick you into clicking a link
- Get you to open an attachment
- Steal login credentials or personal information
- Pressure you into sending money or gift cards
Phishing is not about intelligence — it relies on speed, emotion, and deception.
🧠 Why Scams Work
Scammers are skilled at manipulating human behavior.
They often rely on:
⏱️ Urgency (“Act now”)
⚠️ Fear (“Your account is compromised”)
🤝 Trust (posing as a known organization or person)
❤️ Emotion (panic, embarrassment, sympathy)
If a message makes you feel rushed or emotional, that’s a signal to pause.
📬 Common Scam Types
Phishing and scams can appear in many forms:
- Email phishing – fake messages pretending to be companies or services
- Text message scams (smishing) – delivery alerts, bank warnings, prize claims
- Phone scams (vishing) – callers posing as support staff, banks, or officials
- Social media scams – impersonation, fake profiles, or suspicious direct messages
- Tech support scams – pop-ups or calls claiming your device is infected
The delivery method changes — the tactics stay the same.
⚠️ High-Risk Scams to Know About
🐷 Pig Butchering Scams
These scams build trust over time through friendly conversations or online relationships before shifting to money.
Common signs include:
- “Wrong number” texts that turn into conversations
- Pressure to invest or move money quickly
- Guaranteed profits
- Requests for cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards
- Secrecy and reluctance to meet in person
Legitimate investments do not require secrecy or urgency.
☎️ “Loved One in Jail” Scam
Scammers may claim a family member has been arrested and needs money immediately.
They often say:
- “Don’t tell anyone”
- “They’re embarrassed”
- “This has to happen right now”
Important reminder:
Police and courts do not accept gift cards, cryptocurrency, or demand secrecy.
If it’s real, it can wait a few minutes for verification.
🔍 Phishing & Scam Myths vs. Reality
❌ Myth: “I would recognize a scam immediately.”
Reality:
Modern scams are convincing and polished. Anyone can be targeted.
❌ Myth: “Scams only happen through email.”
Reality:
Scams appear through texts, phone calls, social media, and fake websites.
❌ Myth: “If I clicked once, the damage is done.”
Reality:
Acting quickly can prevent or reduce harm.
❌ Myth: “Reporting scams doesn’t help.”
Reality:
Reporting helps protect others and disrupts scam activity.
💡 Key Takeaway
Scams depend on urgency and emotion.
Your strongest defense is to slow down, verify independently, and ask for help.
🆘 What To Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
If you clicked a link, shared information, or sent money:
- Stop engaging with the scammer immediately
- Change passwords on affected accounts
- Enable multi-factor authentication
- Contact your bank or payment provider
- Monitor accounts for unusual activity
Mistakes happen — quick action matters.
🔎 Trusted, Free Reporting & Help
🏛️ Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- Report fraud and get recovery guidance
👉 reportfraud.ftc.gov
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Report internet-related crime
👉 ic3.gov
📚 CW Cyber Resources
CW Cyber explains cybersecurity and privacy concepts in plain language so they’re accessible to ever
Explore related topics:
- Cyber Hygiene Basics
- Privacy & Social Media Safety
- Identity Protection
🤝 Our Commitment
CW Cyber is a nonprofit organization providing free, educational cybersecurity resources.
- We do not sell products
- We do not collect unnecessary data
- We do not promote paid services
Our goal is simple:
Help people make informed, confident decisions about their digital lives.
