Phishing Attack - How to Detect & Prevent Online Fraud
What Is a Phishing Attack?
A phishing attack is a type of cyber fraud where attackers pretend to be trusted entities—such as banks, payment apps, government portals, or known brands—to trick users into sharing sensitive information. This can include passwords, OTPs, bank account details, UPI PINs, debit/credit card numbers, or personal identity data.
Phishing attacks usually happen through fake emails, SMS, phone calls, WhatsApp messages, or cloned websites. Once users click a malicious link or share information, attackers misuse it for financial fraud or identity theft.
How Phishing Attacks Work
Phishing attacks typically follow these steps:
- Baiting the victim – Fraudsters send fake messages pretending to be from banks or companies.
- Creating urgency – “Your account will be blocked”, “KYC expired”, “Pending refund”, etc.
- Redirecting to a fake website – A cloned login or payment page.
- Stealing login credentials – Capturing entered details.
- Unauthorized transactions – Misusing the stolen data for fraud.
Common Types of Phishing Attacks
1. Email Phishing
Fake emails mimicking banks, payment apps, e-commerce companies, or delivery services.
2. SMS Phishing (Smishing)
Fraudulent SMS with harmful links pretending to be KYC updates, refunds, or payment failures.
3. Phone Call Phishing (Vishing)
Fraudsters pretend to be bank officials, RBI, or customer support representatives.
4. WhatsApp/Chat Phishing
Messages that include fake job offers, prizes, or malicious links.
5. Social Media Phishing
Fake ads, payment links, and page impersonation on Facebook, Instagram, etc.
6. QR Code Phishing
Fake QR codes tricking users to scan and authorize payments unknowingly.
7. Spear Phishing
Targeted phishing aimed at a specific person or business.
How to Identify a Phishing Message
Look for:
- Unknown or suspicious email addresses
- Urgent/scare messages
- Poor grammar or spelling
- Unsecured websites (no HTTPS)
- Links with unusual domain names
- Requests for OTP, PIN, or banking details
How to Protect Yourself from Phishing
✔ Do’s
- Always verify the website URL before entering details.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Use strong, unique passwords.
- Install updated antivirus tools.
- Report suspicious messages immediately.
✘ Don’ts
- Never share OTP, PIN, or passwords.
- Do not click unknown links.
- Do not download suspicious attachments.
- Don’t trust unsolicited customer-care calls.
What to Do If You Fall Victim to a Phishing Attack
- Block your bank cards immediately.
- Report the fraud on 1930 (National Cybercrime Helpline).
- File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.
- Change passwords of all affected accounts.
- Scan your device for malware.
FAQs on Phishing Attack
- What is a phishing attack?
A phishing attack is a cyber scam where fraudsters impersonate trusted sources to steal personal or financial information.
- How do phishing attacks happen?
They occur through fake emails, SMS, calls, or websites that trick users into sharing private details.
- What should I do if I clicked a phishing link?
Change your passwords, inform your bank, block cards, and report the fraud to 1930.
- How can I protect myself from phishing?
Avoid unknown links, verify websites, use MFA, and never share OTP or PIN.
- What is smishing?
Phishing carried out using SMS messages.
- Does phishing affect bank accounts?
Yes, attackers can steal banking info and make unauthorized transactions.
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