The Most Common Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are on the rise. In fact, they’ve increased by almost two-thirds. With the surge in such criminal activity, scammers are getting wiser in their spear phishing attacks.

Prevent phishing scams from happening to you by knowing the most common ones people see in their inboxes and learn how to protect from phishing.

Nigerian prince phishing

Nigerian prince phishing is almost certainly one of the oldest phishing scams. It first came about decades ago and still has a presence on the internet. Because it’s been around for so long, you’ll probably come across several versions of it.

However, the main scam is getting you to pay advanced fees. The sender will tell you they have a large sum of money but need your help to obtain it. As a reward, they’ll split part of it with you.

After you’ve paid the advanced fees, not only will the cybercriminals take your money, but they’ll also gain your bank details.

MORE : How Does Phishing Work?

Deactivation phishing

This scam is very successful because it scares you into taking action. The emails claim your account will be deactivated if you don’t log in within their set time frame.

Because they don’t want to risk deactivation, victims rush to click on the malicious link provided in the email. It opens a spoofed site, where entered credentials are sent to the scammers.

MORE : How to Prevent Phishing Emails?

“Helpless friend” phishing

This scam plays on your urgency to help a friend. You’ll receive an email from your “friend” saying they’re stuck in a foreign country with no belongings or money. Since people rarely turn away their friends who are in dire situations, this type of phishing attack is very successful.

MORE : How to Prevent Spear Phishing

Tech support phishing

Someone claiming to be tech support will call or email you. They’ll claim your security has been breached and that they need to help you through remote access software.

If you install the software and let them access your computer, they’ll say they’ve found malware and that it’s only removable via their software. When you pay for it, you’ll expose your credit card details to the cybercriminals.

MORE : Difference Between Phishing and Spoofing

Be aware of other types of phishing attacks

These are only some of the most common phishing email attacks, so be careful while you’re on the internet. Understand spear phishing vs phishing properly. If anything seems odd or too good to be true, trust your gut instincts and don’t follow through on whatever they’re asking of you. Here are some examples of spear phishing to identify phishing email.

Read More : Phishing Prevention Best Practices

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