Phishing messages have become increasingly sophisticated. Gone are the days of obvious Nigerian prince emails — today's scams look legitimate, use real brand logos, and can fool even tech-savvy users. Here's how to stay one step ahead.
What is Phishing?
Phishing is a type of online fraud where attackers impersonate trusted entities — banks, delivery services, tech companies, or even friends — to trick you into revealing personal information, clicking malicious links, or transferring money.
In 2026, phishing accounts for over 80% of reported cyber incidents, making it the most common form of online fraud worldwide.
7 Red Flags to Watch For
Urgency and Pressure
Messages that create panic — "Act now or your account will be locked!" — are a classic scam tactic. Legitimate companies rarely pressure you with tight deadlines via text.
Suspicious Links
Hover over (or long-press) any link before clicking. Phishing URLs often mimic real domains with subtle misspellings like "amaz0n.com" or "paypa1-secure.com".
Unknown Senders
Be extra cautious with messages from numbers or email addresses you don't recognize, especially if they claim to be from companies you use.
Request for Personal Data
No legitimate company will ask for your password, PIN, OTP, or full credit card number via text or email. Ever.
Generic Greetings
"Dear Customer" or "Dear User" instead of your actual name often indicates a mass-sent phishing message.
Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers
"You've won $10,000!" or "Free iPhone!" — if it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
Grammar and Spelling Errors
While AI has made scam messages more polished, many still contain awkward phrasing, unusual formatting, or subtle grammatical mistakes.
How ScamSense Helps
Instead of memorizing red flags, you can simply paste any suspicious message into ScamSense. The app uses AI to analyze the text and instantly tells you whether it's safe, suspicious, or dangerous — along with a clear explanation of why.
With 5 free scans every month, you can verify the most suspicious messages you receive without spending a cent.
Check before you trust.
Download ScamSense and verify suspicious messages in seconds.
Download on Google Play