How to Recognize, Avoid, and Respond to Phishing and Online Fraud in 2024-2025

Phishing and online fraud remain the top digital threats every year, with phishing being the most widespread scam method on the internet. Both newcomers and experienced users fall victim to phishing. According to statistics, over 80% of all cyberattacks in 2024-2025 started with a phishing attempt. Scammers operate by creating fake websites, emails, or messages that imitate banks, popular services, or even colleagues-tricking victims into entering sensitive information. Just one click on a malicious link can lead to the loss of passwords, bank card details, and money. Learning how to recognize phishing emails, check links for phishing, and respond if you get caught is essential to protect yourself from one of the most common online threats.

What Are Phishing Attacks?

Phishing (from the English "fishing") is a type of online fraud where attackers "fish" for users' personal data-such as logins, passwords, bank card numbers, IDs, or access to corporate systems.

Phishing Attacks in Simple Terms

Phishing is a scam where a fake website or email is disguised as a legitimate one. The victim believes they are entering their data on a bank website, government portal, or corporate mailbox, but in reality, all the information goes directly to the fraudsters.

• The email or message appears to come from an official company.
• The link leads to a counterfeit site (often closely resembling the real one).
• There's an urgent request to enter personal details, log in, or pay a "debt".

Phishing is closely linked with other scams like SMS fraud, fake "bank security" calls, and bogus promos or newsletters. In cybersecurity, the terms "phishing and fraud" often go hand in hand.

Examples of Phishing Emails

Recognizing phishing emails is easier when you know what they typically look like. Here are the most common scenarios:

1. "Urgent Notice from Your Bank"
   You receive an alert: "Suspicious activity detected on your account. To restore access, please verify your identity."
   The email contains a "Go to Account" button, which leads to a fake website.
2. "Subscription Charged"
   A message from "Netflix," "Spotify," or another service: "Your payment has been processed. If this wasn't you, cancel the transaction."
   In a panic, the victim clicks the link and enters their card details.
3. "Tax Authority or Government Letter"
   Pretends to offer a tax refund or warns of a fine.
   To "receive compensation," you're asked to complete a form with passport or ID details.
4. "Work Email" (Corporate Phishing)
   An employee gets an email, seemingly from IT: "Your password has expired. Click here to change it."
   Instead of updating an account, the credentials are sent to attackers.

Typical Signs of a Phishing Email

• Spelling errors or typos in the message
• Suspicious sender address (e.g., support@paypa1.com instead of paypal.com)
• Links leading to unofficial sites or domains with extra characters
• Excessive urgency ("confirm within 24 hours or your account will be blocked")

The danger of phishing lies in how convincing these emails look. Scammers copy logos, colors, and corporate styles, making it harder than ever to distinguish fakes from legitimate messages.

How to Check a Link for Phishing

Fake links are a common phishing tactic. They might look legitimate but redirect you elsewhere. Always verify a link before entering your data. Here's how:

1. Hover your cursor (or long-press on mobile) over the link.
   The real address will appear in your browser's status bar or a pop-up. For example, if an email claims to be from Sberbank but links to sberbank-login.info, it's phishing.
2. Check the domain carefully.
   Official sites use domains like .ru, .com, or .org. Fake links often have extra letters (e.g., paypa1 instead of paypal) or additional subdomains (e.g., bank-secure.login.com).
3. Look for HTTPS.
   A padlock in the browser isn't a guarantee of safety, but its absence is a clear warning sign.
4. Use online link checkers.
   Services like VirusTotal, PhishTank, and Google Transparency Report allow you to enter a link and check if it's flagged as phishing.
5. Don't click immediately.
   If you have doubts, type the bank or service's address directly into your browser instead of using the link provided.

Fraudsters rely on haste-the faster you click, the greater their chances of success. Take your time and double-check everything.

Types of Phishing

The more phishing techniques you know, the easier it is to spot them. Common types include:

1. Email Phishing - The classic scenario: an email with a fake link. Still the most widespread and dangerous method.
2. SMS Phishing (Smishing) - You receive a message like "Your card has been blocked. Click the link urgently." This is especially risky for seniors who tend to trust SMS more than email.
3. Phone Phishing (Vishing) - Scammers call, posing as bank or security staff, and try to get you to reveal an SMS code or card details.
4. Social Media Phishing - Fake company accounts, prize giveaways, or links in direct messages. On social networks, scams look extra "friendly."
5. Spear Phishing - Targeted attacks. Scammers gather info about a specific person or company to make their message as convincing as possible. For example, an employee receives an email from the "CEO" asking to pay an invoice.

All these types have one thing in common: they build trust and pressure you to act quickly. Knowing typical schemes is your best defense.

How to Avoid Falling for Phishing

The best defense against phishing is vigilance and a few simple digital hygiene rules:

1. Check the sender's address.
   If you get an email from a bank, compare the sender's address: official companies never use free services like Gmail or Mail.ru.
2. Never click links in emails regarding money.
   Access the site by typing the address manually or using the official app.
3. Never share SMS codes.
   Banks never ask for confirmation codes by phone or chat. If someone requests them, it's a scam.
4. Enable two-factor authentication.
   Even if your password is stolen, fraudsters can't access your account without the extra code.
5. Read messages carefully.
   Watch for mistakes, odd greetings ("Dear client" instead of your name), or urgency ("only today," "confirm urgently")-all signs of a scam.
6. Install antivirus and anti-phishing extensions.
   These tools block suspicious sites and links before you can open them.
7. Research sites before using them.
   If unsure about a store or service, search for reviews. Phishing projects rarely have a reputation history.

The main principle: don't rush. Scammers count on impulsive actions. If you pause and think, your risk drops dramatically.

What to Do If You Fall for Phishing

Even cautious users can make a mistake. Don't panic-respond quickly:

• If you entered your card details:
  Call your bank immediately to block the card, request a new card, and enable transaction notifications.
• If you shared your login and password:
  Change your password on all services using that login, and enable two-factor authentication.
• If you clicked a suspicious link:
  Scan your device with antivirus software, and clear your browser's cache and cookies.
• If you received a phishing email:
  Don't click links. Forward the message to the support team of the relevant service or bank, and report the site via Google Safe Browsing or your country's cybercrime authorities.

The faster you act, the less damage you'll suffer. Many banks and services can block transactions if notified in time.

Protection Tools

To minimize the risk of phishing, use additional tools that filter out suspicious sites and emails before you even click:

• Antivirus with anti-phishing modules: Most modern solutions (Kaspersky, ESET, Bitdefender, Dr.Web) offer built-in protection against phishing sites.
• Browser extensions: Tools like Avast Online Security, Netcraft Extension, and Guardio warn you if a site looks suspicious. Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge also have built-in protection against dangerous links.
• Link-checking services: VirusTotal lets you check a link against dozens of databases. PhishTank is a global phishing site database.
• Email filters: Most providers (Gmail, Outlook, Yandex.Mail) have built-in protection, but it's not foolproof.
• Password managers: LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden check if a website's domain matches what's saved. If the site is fake, your password won't autofill.

These tools don't replace vigilance, but they add an extra layer of security and can often prevent mistakes.

Phishing and Business

For individuals, phishing leads to loss of personal data or money. For companies, the consequences can be far more serious. Corporate phishing is one of the main threats to businesses in 2025.

How Corporate Phishing Works

• An employee gets an email claiming to be from IT or management.
• They're asked to update their password, log in, or pay an invoice.
• Attackers gain access to corporate email, internal systems, or even accounting.

Real-Life Attack Examples

• Spear phishing targeting top managers ("whale hunting")
• Fake emails from "Microsoft 365" or "Google Workspace"
• Counterfeit invoices from "partners"

How Businesses Can Protect Themselves

1. Regularly train employees to recognize phishing emails.
2. Conduct tests by sending simulated phishing emails to staff.
3. Use corporate email filters and anti-phishing solutions.
4. Set up multi-factor authentication for all accounts.
5. Restrict access rights, so a single compromised account causes minimal damage.

Phishing in a business environment is especially dangerous because it can be the first step in a larger attack, from ransomware to corporate espionage.

Conclusion

Phishing remains one of the most dangerous forms of online fraud. It exploits human error-trust, haste, or the urge to solve problems instantly-rather than technical vulnerabilities. That's why even experienced users can be deceived.

By learning to recognize phishing emails, check links for phishing, and knowing how to respond if you make a mistake, you cover your main vulnerabilities. Simple digital hygiene rules work better than any complex security system:

• Never click links in emails or messages.
• Always check a website's address before entering information.
• Use two-factor authentication.
• Never share codes or passwords, even with "bank employees."
• Report phishing sites and emails.

Ultimately, your best defense against phishing is vigilance. Take a moment to verify information, and your chances of falling victim will drop dramatically.