Phishing attacks continue to rise, targeting unsuspecting individuals through various methods. To help you stay safe, here are the top 10 signs you're being phished:

1. Unsolicited emails or messages from unknown senders that create a sense of urgency.
2. Unexpected attachments or links that ask you to verify your account information.
3. Requests for personal information that seem suspicious or out of the ordinary.
4. Emails containing spelling or grammatical errors, which can indicate a lack of professionalism.
5. Threats or alarming language designed to provoke an emotional reaction.

Being informed about phishing tactics is essential. Recognizing these signs can help you avoid getting hooked.

6. Email addresses that look suspicious or slightly altered from trusted sources.
7. Generic greetings like 'Dear Customer' instead of your actual name.
8. A lack of contact information or traces of legitimacy in the email.
9. Claims of won prizes or offers that seem too good to be true.
10. A sense of urgency that pushes you to make hasty decisions.

Phishing emails are designed to trick you into revealing personal information or downloading malware. To spot a phishing email, start by scrutinizing the sender's address. Look for subtle misspellings or unusual domain names that don't align with the organization’s official email domain. Additionally, pay attention to the greeting; many phishing attempts use generic salutations like 'Dear Customer' instead of your name, indicating a lack of personalization. Beware of urgent language that creates a sense of panic—such as threats of account suspension—urging you to act immediately without thinking.

Another crucial tip is to examine the email's content carefully. Authentic organizations typically avoid asking for sensitive information through email. Be cautious if you encounter requests for personal details, passwords, or financial information. Moreover, hover over any links before clicking on them to reveal the actual URL—phishing emails often disguise malicious links with legitimate-looking text. If anything seems off, trust your instincts and delete the email. Staying alert to these red flags can significantly enhance your email security and help you stay safe from phishing attacks.

Falling for a phishing scam can be a disorienting experience, but it's essential to act quickly to minimize the damage. First, disconnect your device from the internet immediately. This action can help prevent additional data from being sent out. Next, change your passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised. While you're at it, ensure that you enable two-factor authentication for added security. Additionally, monitor your financial statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity.

Once you've secured your accounts, it’s vital to report the phishing scam. Inform your email provider about the phishing attempt so they can take necessary actions against the source. You should also contact your bank or credit card company to alert them of any potential fraud. If your personal information was compromised, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports or even freezing them as an added precaution. Lastly, educate yourself about phishing scams to help avoid falling victim in the future; knowledge is the best defense.