Never click links in urgent or threatening messages

The hallmark of phishing is urgency: "Your account will be suspended in 24 hours," "Unauthorized login detected," or "You owe $500 in unpaid taxes." Legitimate companies rarely demand immediate action via email. When you see urgency, slow down and verify through official channels.

Why It Works

Phishing exploits the panic response. When you are afraid of losing access or owing money, you click without thinking. Recognizing urgency as a red flag breaks the manipulation cycle.

Tips

• If a message claims your account is compromised, open a new browser tab and log in directly at the company's official website
• Real tax agencies, banks, and government entities contact you by mail for serious matters, not email
• Forward suspicious emails to the company's official fraud reporting address (e.g., reportphishing@apple.com)
• When in doubt, call the company using the phone number on their official website, not any number in the email