Phishing - Don’t You Mean Fishing

  

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Here’s Why You Really Need to Know the Difference between Phishing and Fishing.

🎣Imagine this - someone throws out a line — not into a pond to catch a fish — but into your email inbox or phone, hoping to hook you. They’re not after trout or tuna. They’re after your passwords, credit card numbers, and your identity.

That’s phishing, with a “Ph” — and the "P" might as well stand for problem and I've tried to put this together so you don't need a PhD to follow the advice.

🧠So, What Is Phishing?

Phishing is when scammers pretend to be someone you trust — like your bank, a delivery service, or even your grandchild — to trick you into giving up personal information and, they do it by sending fake emails, texts, or messages that look real — but aren’t.

It’s like a sneaky costume party — except these trick-or-treaters want your login info instead of candy.

🎭How They Do It (The Dirty Tricks)

Here’s what phishing often looks like:

Fake Emails or Texts - “Your package is delayed. Click here to reschedule delivery!” — yeah, no thanks.

Scary Messages - “Your account has been compromised!” They want you to panic so you don’t stop and think.

Copycat Websites - You click a link that looks like your bank — but it’s a slick clone built by a scammer.

If you take the bait, you’ve just handed them the keys to your digital life.

🧒Even Kids Get Targeted

Kids aren’t off the hook - “Free Robux” “You’ve won a free iPad” — classic bait and the younger crowd may not realize these pop-ups are traps, not treasure chests.

👵And Seniors - Prime Targets

Scammers love to target older adults. They send fake messages from Medicare, Social Security, or even fake grandkids claiming to be in trouble, it’s heartless — and too often, effective.

🛡️How to Stay Safe from Phishing

No tech degree needed — here are five simple rules:

Think Before You Click - Got a weird message? Don’t rush.

Check the Email Address - Real companies don’t use ones like support@totally-legit-accounts.biz.

Never Share Personal Info Over Email or Text - Banks don’t ask for your password. Ever.

Hover First, Click Never (Unless You’re Sure) - Hover your mouse over a link to see where it really goes.

Verify with a Phone Call - If you’re unsure, call the real company using a number from their official website.

🤷Why Is It Spelled “Phishing”?

Hackers in the 1990s thought they were clever. They took “fishing” and swapped the “F” for “PH” — like “phony” - So yeah, they were trolling for victims even back then and the name stuck.

So just remember - Fishing = relaxing - Phishing = regrettable.

🎁The Bottom Line - Phishing is everywhere — email, texts, social media, but once you know how it works, you’ll be a lot harder to fool.

So whether you’re 5, or 85, don’t take the bait. Stay sharp. Ask questions. And never trust an email that screams “URGENT” in all caps.

Stay safe, stay secure and remember that the only line you should be biting is the one at your favorite fishing hole.

(AI was used to aid in the creation of this article.)

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