Phishing attacks are more common than you think—and often surprisingly easy to spot. As someone who’s tested antivirus software for over 30 years, I regularly examine how well these programs detect phishing attempts using real-world examples. Here's everything you need to know to avoid being fooled.
🔍 What Is a Phishing Scam?
Phishing scams are fraudulent attempts to trick you into revealing sensitive information—like your login credentials or bank details—through fake websites that mimic real ones. Even poorly made fakes sometimes succeed, as all it takes is a moment of inattention.
💡 1. Look for Obvious Signs of a Fake Website
If a website looks off—wrong fonts, misaligned forms, strange colors—it probably is. Reload with Ctrl+F5 to double-check. If it still seems suspicious, leave immediately.
Another red flag is free hosting. Real businesses don’t use domains like weebly.com or tiiny.site. If you’re seeing AT&T on a Weebly page, it’s a scam.
🌐 2. Always Check the Address Bar
The address bar is your best defense. Scam sites often use similar-looking domains like:
pyapal.cominstead ofpaypal.comPlaceboook.cominstead ofFacebook.comarnazon.com(with an 'r' instead of 'm')
Watch out for subdomains too. paypal.fakery.com is fake. The real domain is the last portion before .com or .org.
🔒 3. The HTTPS Lock Matters—But Isn’t Always Enough
All legitimate sites today use HTTPS. Look for the lock icon in the address bar. If it’s missing or struck out, the site may be insecure or a fraud.
Even if a site uses HTTPS, a revoked or expired certificate can render it untrustworthy. Always pay attention to security warnings from your browser.
📧 4. Watch Out for Phishing Emails
Email is the most common phishing tool. Don’t click links in emails, even if they appear to come from trusted sources—your friend’s account may have been hacked.
Instead of clicking a link in a “bank alert” email, visit the bank’s website directly. Phishing messages often use urgency to pressure you, like:
"Your Facebook account will be disabled unless you log in now."
Ignore the link. If it’s real, you’ll see the alert after logging in directly.
🛡️ 5. Use Security Software and Password Managers
Modern browsers and antivirus software provide protection against known phishing websites. They show full-screen alerts when they detect dangerous pages.
Bonus Tip: Use a password manager. It only fills in passwords on the real sites. If the site’s fake, your manager won’t recognize it and won’t auto-fill anything—your built-in warning system!
Top Password Managers (2025)
- NordPass – Outstanding
- Proton Pass – Outstanding
- RoboForm – Excellent
- Dashlane – Excellent
VPNs are great for privacy but do not protect against phishing. If you give your password to a scam site, encryption won’t save you.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Find the Flaw, Foil the Phish
Phishing scams are everywhere, but now you know the signs:
- Bad design and mismatched layout
- Suspicious URLs or fake domains
- No HTTPS or expired certificates
- Unsolicited emails with urgent requests
Back yourself up with antivirus protection and a password manager, but always stay alert. If a page feels off—trust your instincts. Close the tab and stay safe online.