SUSPICIOUS EMAILS, TEXTS & LINKS
Phishing scams, explained simply.
Phishing is a deceptive message that tries to get you to reveal information or follow a harmful link. An email or text can look familiar and still deserve a closer look.
Open the company’s official app or type its known website address yourself. Check the message there, rather than using its link.
What can a phishing message look like?
A delivery update, a refund offer, or an account warning may ask you to sign in or act urgently. Treat unexpected links, attachments, and QR codes cautiously. A familiar sender name or polished writing is not proof of identity.
“Your account will close today. Follow this link to confirm your password.”
The pressure and sign-in request are reasons to pause. You can check your account separately without replying.
Use a simple check
- Stop. Leave the link or attachment unopened while you check.
- Verify separately. Use the company’s official app, website, or a number you already trust.
- Keep private details private. Do not give passwords, PINs, or one-time codes to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
- Ask for a second look. A trusted person can help you slow things down.
Already clicked or entered information?
If you entered a password, change it through the real service and enable two-step verification. Change it anywhere else you reused it. If you shared banking or card details, contact your financial institution promptly through a trusted number. For suspected harmful software, seek support from a provider you know.
Official phishing and recovery resources
- U.S. FTC: recognize and report phishing
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: phishing
- U.S. FTC: steps after a scam
- Canada: report fraud and cybercrime
Reviewed November 14, 2026 · Published by SafeFamilyNow. Independent education for the United States and Canada. We do not investigate scams or guarantee safety or recovery.