Recognising phishing and scams

In short: Phishing is fake emails, texts or pages meant to get you to enter passwords or payment details. Do not click, check the sender and open the real site yourself.

In more detail: Fraudsters create pressure (“Account locked!”, “Parcel cannot be delivered”) or lure with prizes. The links lead to convincing fakes.

In Depth

• Warning signs: Urgent deadlines, threats, spelling mistakes, impersonal greeting (“Dear customer”), unusual sender address.
• Check the link: Hover the mouse over the link (do not click) and look at the real address.
• Never enter data: If you arrived via a link. Instead open the site yourself in the browser.
• Attachments: Do not open unexpected invoices or “applications”.
• Phone fraud: Fake “Microsoft staff”, “police” or the “grandparent scam”. Hang up, never grant remote access or transfer money.
• Did you click? Change the password immediately, inform your bank, scan the device for viruses.
• Report: Consumer advice centre, the provider or phishing reporting offices.

See also: Safe passwords for beginners, Shopping safely online