How to identify a phishing scam

How to identify a phishing scam

Images of hackers in hoodies hunched over keyboards are long gone. Today’s phishing scams are slick, professional, and incredibly convincing. They slip into your inbox disguised as trusted voices and familiar brands, waiting for you to make one wrong move.

Can you spot the difference between a legitimate email and one that could cost you thousands? We reveal the tricks cybercriminals use to infiltrate your business.

How to spot and identify phishing scams

Phishing scams blend in as familiar emails or messages, often from people or companies you know and trust. But beneath the surface, they’re designed to steal critical information like passwords, financial details and sensitive client data.

So, why is early detection so crucial? Cybercriminals thrive on speed and chaos. The quicker they can push you into making a rash decision, the more successful their attack. Spotting a phishing scam early gives you time to pause and avoid falling into a trap.

The tricky part is phishing scams are masters of disguise. They can masquerade as fake invoices, payment requests from familiar suppliers, or even messages from colleagues.

Once you know what to look for, recognising common phishing scams becomes much easier. Here are some key things to keep an eye on:

1. Emails demanding urgent action

Phishing scams thrive on panic. Subject lines like "Your account has been suspended" or "Immediate action required" aim to get you clicking links or downloading attachments before you’ve had a chance to think. If you feel rushed, slow down.

2. Suspicious attachments

An email out of the blue with an attachment is a huge red flag. Phishing emails love to hide malware in attachments, ready to infect your system. Be particularly wary of unexpected file types like .exe or .zip. If you weren’t expecting it, don’t open it.

3. Too good to be true offers

We all love a good deal, but if an email offers you something that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Things like a lucrative business opportunity are classic tactics. They’re designed to play on your curiosity and push you into handing over sensitive information or making payments. If something seems off, trust yourself.

4. Poor grammar or design

Phishing emails often slip up with poor grammar, awkward sentences, or pixelated images. Legitimate companies take pride in their communications, so anything that feels sloppy or unprofessional should raise suspicion.

5. Incorrect domain names

Phishing emails often come from addresses that look almost identical to the real deal, but with minor tweaks. A single letter change – like "vodaf0ne.ie" instead of "vodafone.ie"- can easily go unnoticed if you’re not paying attention. Always double-check the sender’s domain, especially if they’re asking for sensitive information.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

Even with your best precautions, phishing scams can sometimes slip through. Don’t panic, but act quickly and effectively. Here are some different scenarios you might find yourself in and what to do next.

1. Spotted it early but didn’t act

If you’ve spotted a phishing email before clicking any links or sharing information, you’re in the clear. However, don’t just ignore it. Delete the email immediately and report it to your IT team or email provider to help them block similar threats. Flagging the email as spam can also block future attempts.

2. Opened the email or replied

If you’ve opened the email or even replied but didn’t share any personal or business information, you’re still on relatively safe ground. Notify your IT people straight away and run a virus scan just to be sure. It’s also worth updating any passwords you think might have been exposed, even if it’s just for peace of mind.

3. Clicked a link or shared information

If you’ve clicked a malicious link, downloaded an attachment, or shared sensitive information, act fast. Disconnect your device from the internet immediately to prevent any malware from spreading. Let your IT department know so they can assess the damage, remove any malware, and secure your systems. If you’ve shared financial or personal details, contact the bank or credit provider immediately to minimise any further risk.

Phishing scams can be damaging, but by looking out for urgent demands, unexpected attachments, and suspicious email addresses, you can take huge strides to keep your business safe. And if you do slip up? Quick, decisive action can be the difference between a minor scare and a major headache.

Want more about protecting your business from phishing attacks? Chat with one of our expert V-Hub advisers for free 1-2-1 support.