What Is Phishing — And Why It Still Works
You’ve probably seen a message like this before:
“Your account has been locked. Click here to confirm your password.”
It might look like it’s from your bank, your credit card company, or a package delivery service. The logo looks right. The language sounds official. But something’s off.
That’s phishing. And it still works—because it preys on trust, urgency, and small moments of inattention.
Phishing vs. Spoofing: What’s the Difference?
Phishing is a scam designed to trick you into giving up personal information—like passwords, account numbers, or security codes.
Spoofing is a common trick used in phishing scams. It’s when someone disguises their email address, phone number, or website to look like it’s from someone you know or trust. Sometimes it’s as subtle as a single letter or character being changed.
Example:
- Real: bankofyourcity.com
- Spoofed: bankofy0urcity.com (notice the “0” instead of an “o”)
The message might look like it’s from your boss, your bank, or even your child’s school. But it’s a fake—designed to get you to click, panic, or reply without thinking.
Why Phishing Still Works
Most phishing scams don’t rely on clever code—they rely on human nature.
They work because they’re:
- Timely: You just got a package delivery yesterday… so the fake FedEx message seems believable.
- Urgent: They say your account is locked, or a payment failed. You’re pressured to act quickly.
- Familiar: The logo, the wording, even the sender name might match what you expect.
It’s not about gullibility—it’s about timing and psychology. These messages are designed to catch you in a routine moment, and get you to act before thinking.
Real-World Examples
- A text from “your bank” asking you to verify a suspicious charge
- An email saying your Netflix payment didn’t go through and asking you to log in
- A phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS or a government agency
- A message from “your boss” asking you to send a wire transfer or gift cards
All of them fake. All of them designed to make you click, call, or give something up.
The Bottom Line
Phishing isn’t going away. If anything, it’s getting more sophisticated. But when you understand how these scams work, you’re much harder to fool.
The best defense? Slow down, look closely, and never trust a message just because it looks official.
