Use this online phishing 101 guide to spot and report scams
What is phishing?
Phishing is a cybercrime that uses emails or text messages to impersonate trusted organizations or government agencies to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
It typically occurs through emails, text messages or fake websites that closely mimic legitimate sources. These messages often use official logos, familiar language and deceptive email addresses.
Examples of phishing attempts
- A message claiming your account is suspended and asking you to verify your identity via a link
- A warning about suspicious bank account activity requesting your PIN
- A fake text claiming you owe a toll fine
- A message from unknown sender that creates a sense of urgency, contains misspellings or bad grammar
Handling phishing attempts
As soon as you identify a phishing attempt, report the message via your email client. Read more about how to report phishing by visiting: https://uky.service-now.com/techhelp?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB0012109&sys_kb_id=7d2333fa979baa503962b846f053af85.
Tips to avoid phishing
- Do not click on links, buttons or attachments in unsolicited messages.
- Do not reply or provide personal or financial information.
- Visit the official website directly and contact the company using a verified phone number.
Additional resources
- Beware of scam texts impersonating Kentucky government agencies: https://its.uky.edu/news/beware-scam-texts-impersonating-kentucky-government-agencies
- How To Respond To a Spam Email or Phishing Attack: https://uky.service-now.com/techhelp?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB0012712&sys_kb_id=1fcd2bee1be2e210b733a971604bcb67
- What is a scam and how can you protect yourself? https://www.malwarebytes.com/cybersecurity/basics/scam
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