Phishing/Spoofing Explained

Phishing and spoofing are tricks used by scammers to steal your personal information, like passwords, bank details, or Social Security numbers. Imagine getting a letter that looks like it’s from your bank but is actually from a thief. In phishing, scammers send emails, text messages, or even phone calls pretending to be someone you trust, like your bank, Medicare, or a company like Amazon. Spoofing is when they fake the sender’s identity, such as making an email look like it’s from a legitimate source or a phone call appear to come from a familiar number. 

For example, you might get an email saying your account is locked and you need to click a link to fix it. The link takes you to a fake website that looks real but steals your login details. Or a caller might say they’re from the IRS and demand immediate payment for “unpaid taxes.” These scams prey on trust and urgency to trick you into acting quickly without thinking. 

Seniors are often targeted because scammers assume they may be less familiar with technology or more trusting of official-looking messages. But with a few simple steps, you can spot these scams and stay safe.

Tips to Ident​​ify Phishing/Spoofing

Check the Sender Carefully: Look at the email address or phone number. Scammers use fake ones that look similar but have odd letters or numbers (e.g., “bankofamerica.support123@gmail.com” instead of a real bank email).

Watch for Urgent Language: Messages that say “Act now!” or “Your account will be closed!” are red flags. Real companies rarely demand immediate action.

Avoid Clicking Links: Hover over links (don’t click!) to see the real website address. If it looks strange or unfamiliar, don’t click. Go to the official website directly by typing the address yourself.

Don’t Share Personal Info: No legitimate organization will ask for your password, Social Security number, or bank details via email or phone.

Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, hang up or delete the message. Call the organization using a trusted number from their official website or your bill.

Use Security Software: Install antivirus software to warn you about phishing websites or emails. Ask a family member to help set it up.