Phishing
7 Common Scam Texts and How to Spot Them
Text messages are now the top way scammers reach Americans. See the 7 scam texts sent most, how to respond safely, and what to do if you tapped or paid.
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How phishing emails and scam texts trick you into clicking, with real examples, the red flags, and simple steps to take if you already clicked or replied.
Phishing is any message that tries to trick you into clicking a link, opening a file or typing a password or code. It now arrives as email, text messages, QR codes and even voicemail, and many messages copy real brands so closely that the logo and wording look right.
The articles in this section show real examples of phishing messages, the small details that give them away, and what to do if you already clicked or entered information. We focus on the steps that protect you fastest: checking the real sender, never using a link to sign in, and turning on two-step verification for your email and bank.
If you are looking at a suspicious message right now, do not click anything yet. Read the checklist in our official resources guide first, or report the message so others are warned.
Phishing
How to Tell a Fake Bank, Amazon or IRS Email in Seconds
Phishing emails copy your bank, Amazon, PayPal and the IRS. Learn the 8 most common fakes, the 30 second checks that expose them, and what to do if you clicked.
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Phishing
That Firebase Storage Link in Your Email Is Phishing
firebasestorage.googleapis.com is a real Google service, but criminals host phishing pages on it. See the evidence, red flags, how to check a link, and what to do if you entered a password.
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Phishing
How the Microsoft Tech Support Scam Call and Pop-Up Really Work
Fake Microsoft support calls and virus pop-ups cost older Americans millions. See the full script, the red flags, and what to do if you let them in.
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