If the scammer gets enough information, they may attempt to access bank accounts or other member accounts. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that in 2019, individuals lost $57 million to phishing schemes.
Phishing emails may look like they come from a company you know or trust. They may even have your bank or credit card company’s logo.
Phishing emails are designed to trick you into clicking a link or opening up an attachment. If you click the link or open the attachment you will be taken to a fake site. Again it may look like the legitimate site but it is most likely a clone of the real thing. Look at the link. Sometimes the link is a give-away that the email is not from a trusted source.
They may warn of a suspicious activity or log-in attempt. They may warn that there is a problem with your account. They may request you to update some personal information or pay a scam invoice. They may even offer you free stuff.
PII data often provides attackers enough information to conduct identity theft, break into your bank account, use your information to take out loans, or even compromise other online accounts. PII data is also a goldmine in the hands of advertisers.
Protecting yourself from phishing scams
If you think your bank is contacting you in a phishing effort go directly to the real bank. Don’t click the email. Never give personal information that is solicited via email. Be very careful about opening any attachments.
