How do I recognize and report suspected phishing attempts?

Summary

Learn what phishing is, how it works and how to protect yourself from phishing attempts.

Body

What is phishing?

Phishing is a type of online scam where attackers impersonate trusted sources—like coworkers, banks, or well-known companies—to trick you into sharing sensitive information.

How does it work?

Phishing messages may come through:

๐Ÿ“ง Emails
๐Ÿ“ฑ Text messages
๐Ÿ“ž Phone calls
๐Ÿ’ฌ Other communication channels

What are they after?

Attackers often try to steal:

๐Ÿ” Passwords
๐Ÿ’ณ Credit card numbers
๐Ÿงพ Account details

Why it matters

Phishing doesn’t target your device—it targets you. These scams rely on human trust and behavior, not technical vulnerabilities.

What do I do if I suspect a phishing attempt?

If you suspect you've received an email phishing attempt, do not respond to the email. Instead, forward the email as an attachment to infosec@scranton.edu, then delete the message. Note that forwarding as an attachment is an option in NEW MS Outlook, MS Outlook Classic and Outlook on the Web.


โœ… Tips to protect yourself

  • Think before you click: Be cautious with unexpected links or attachments.
  • Verify the source: If something feels off, confirm with the sender through a trusted channel.
  • Don’t share sensitive info: Never give out personal or financial details unless you're sure who you're talking to.

 

Details

Details

Article ID: 4722
Created
Fri 8/15/25 9:09 AM
Modified
Thu 9/4/25 3:22 PM