You're probably familiar with the phrase 'your account has been compromised' - it's a line scammers use to get your attention, and fast. Recently, a website called pokeapi.co has been reported 16 times for impersonating other sites and trying to trick people into giving away their personal info. When you visit this site, you might think it's the real deal, but trust your instincts if something feels off.

So, how does this scam work? Essentially, the scammers create a fake website that looks like a real one, hoping you'll enter your login credentials or other sensitive information. They might send you an email or message saying your account has been hacked, and you need to verify your info to get back in. The example message might say something like: 'We've noticed some suspicious activity on your account, please click this link to secure it.' Don't fall for it - this is just a ploy to get you to reveal your password or other private details.

What to Watch Out For

Be cautious of any message that creates a sense of urgency or panic. Scammers want you to act fast, without thinking twice. They might use phrases like 'your account will be deleted if you don't respond immediately' or 'we've detected a security threat, please update your info now.' Take a deep breath and think before you click on any links or enter your info.

• Check the website URL - does it look legitimate? Are there any spelling mistakes or does it look different from the real site?
• Never click on links from unfamiliar emails or messages. Instead, type the website URL directly into your browser.
• Be wary of messages that ask for your personal info, especially if they're requesting sensitive details like your Social Security number or credit card info.

It's also important to remember that legitimate companies will never ask you to verify your info via email or text message. If you're unsure about the authenticity of a message, contact the company directly using a phone number or email address you know is real.

So, what can you do to stay safe from these types of scams? Start by being mindful of the websites you visit and the messages you receive. If something looks or feels off, trust your instincts and don't engage. Keep your software and browser up to date, and use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.

One simple step you can take right now is to mark any suspicious emails or messages as spam, and report them to the relevant authorities. This will help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam. By staying vigilant and taking the necessary precautions, you can protect yourself from these types of phishing scams and keep your personal info safe.