Phish or Legit? 4 Ways to Know the Difference

GECU Voices brings you guidance and insight from experts within the Credit Union. Today’s blog post was penned by Austin Vaive, Information Security Officer. 

Unfortunately, cybercriminals aren’t slowing down when it comes to phishing attacks and online scams. These attacks are designed to compromise online accounts, steal personal information, or trick victims into sending money. Below, we’ll break down the most common phishing tactics and share simple ways you can spot scams before they cause harm. 

While attackers use a wide variety of techniques, many scams are surprisingly low tech. Rather than “hacking” into accounts, scammers often rely on manipulation—tricking people into willingly handing over information or funds. Because of that, one of the most effective defenses is also low tech: learning to recognize the warning signs of a scam before taking action. 

Scams instill a sense of urgency 

A common tactic used in phishing emails and online scams is creating a false sense of urgency. When a message makes you feel rushed or anxious, you’re less likely to slow down and notice the red flags. 

You’ll often see this in subject lines or messages that include phrases like “Act now,” “Urgent,” “Immediate action required,” or warnings that your account will be locked if you don’t respond right away. 

Scammers also leverage fear of missing out. Think about high demand concert tickets, limited-time deals, or “exclusive” offers. As tempting as they may sound, no one is selling Noah Kahan tickets on social media for $25—and the “free iPad” isn’t real, no matter how many times you’re asked to enter sensitive personal information. 

When you’re feeling pressured to act quickly, that’s your cue to pause. Legitimate organizations give you time to think and verify. 

Scams rely on the victim taking action 

Every phishing attempt has a hook—the moment the attacker hopes you’ll take an action. That action might include clicking a link, downloading a file, sharing personal information, or sending money or gift cards. 

Before taking any action, stop and think: 

• Were you expecting this message? 
• Does the request make sense in context? 
• Is the sender asking for information or payments they shouldn’t need? 

Be especially cautious when clicking links or downloading attachments. Hover over links to verify that they lead to the website you expect and avoid opening files from unknown or unexpected sources. Sometimes, doing nothing at all is the safest response. 

Scams often impersonate legitimate senders 

Impersonation is a core element of phishing attacks. Scammers commonly pose as trusted individuals, well-known companies, or even government agencies to make their messages seem legitimate. 

The level of sophistication can vary. Some scams are simple—such as copying a profile picture and username on social media—while others are more advanced, including email or phone number spoofing that makes a message appear to come from a trusted source. 

You can protect yourself by following a few key practices: 

• Never provide sensitive information or access during a conversation you didn’t initiate. If you’re unsure, stop communicating and contact the organization directly using a known, legitimate phone number or website. 
• Verify unexpected requests. If a message claims to be from someone you know, reach out to them through a different, trusted method to confirm. 
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s okay to end the conversation and wait. Legitimate senders will follow up through appropriate channels. 

Scammers continue to leverage artificial intelligence 

As artificial intelligence tools become more common in everyday life, scammers are using them as well. AI allows attackers to generate more convincing emails, text messages, and even voice recordings with fewer spelling errors and more natural language. 

Despite the technology involved, these scams still follow the same fundamental patterns: urgency, impersonation, and pressure to take action. A message sounding more polished or professional doesn’t automatically make it legitimate. 

Be especially cautious of: 

• Emails or messages that closely mimic a company’s tone or branding but contain unexpected requests 
• Voice messages or calls that attempt to impersonate a known individual 
• Highly personalized messages that pressure you to act quickly 

Remember: technology may evolve, but the red flags remain the same. 

When in doubt, pause and verify 

If you’re wondering how to stop phishing attacks, the reality is you can’t stop them from getting sent. However, you can stop them from working. The most effective defense is pausing before you click. 

Phishing scams thrive on emotional reactions—fear, excitement, urgency, or curiosity. Taking a moment to pause, verify, and think critically can stop a scam in its tracks. 

If you’re ever unsure about a message, it’s safer to ignore it or verify it through a trusted source than to risk responding. Staying informed and cautious is one of the best ways to protect your accounts and personal information. 

For more educational content on scams, visit our Money Minutes blog.