Phishing scams have become one of the most common tricks used by cybercriminals today. In India, with the rise of digital payments, online shopping, and widespread use of smartphones, these scams are increasingly targeting ordinary people. Phishing works by tricking users into revealing sensitive information such as bank account details, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs) through emails, SMS, or websites that look legitimate but are actually fake. Recognizing the signs of these scams is essential to protect yourself and your family from financial loss and identity theft.
One of the easiest ways to detect phishing emails is by carefully checking the sender’s address. Cybercriminals often use email IDs that look very similar to official ones, but with a slight spelling mistake or an unusual domain. For example, an email that appears to come from your bank might use “.net” instead of “.in”. If the sender address looks suspicious, it’s safer not to click on any links. Poor grammar, urgent language like “Your account will be blocked today”, or requests for confidential details are also strong warning signs.
Links in phishing emails or SMS messages often redirect users to fake websites that look like the real ones. On a computer, you can hover your mouse over a link to see the actual web address before clicking. But since most people today access messages on smartphones, the method is slightly different. On a phone, you can long-press on a link (without opening it) to preview where it will take you. Most browsers and email apps display the destination address at the bottom of the screen. If it looks suspicious, contains random numbers, extra characters, or does not match the official domain, it’s best to avoid opening it. A safer habit is to ignore the link altogether and type the genuine website address directly into your browser.
Another red flag is when a website address itself does not look authentic. Many people think a site is safe if it starts with “https://” and shows a lock icon. But this only means the connection between you and the site is encrypted, not that the site is genuine. Fraudulent sites also use SSL certificates today. For example, a genuine Amazon sale will always come from domains like amazon.in or amazon.com. If an email that looks like it’s from Amazon redirects you to couponsmint.com or any other unrelated site, it’s not a trusted link even though it shows “https://” and a lock. Always check the main domain name carefully, not just the presence of https.
Phishing is no longer limited to email. In India, SMS phishing, also called “smishing”, is very common. Fraudsters send text messages pretending to be from banks, courier services, or even government agencies, asking you to click on a link or call a phone number. These links often install malware on your device or redirect you to fake login pages.
The best way to stay safe is to remember a simple rule: never share personal information such as passwords, OTPs, or card details through links or messages. If you ever receive a suspicious email or SMS, contact the company directly through their official customer care numbers or websites. Using multi-factor authentication, keeping your devices updated, and installing trusted antivirus software adds another layer of protection.
Phishing may seem convincing at first glance, but once you know what to look for, spotting a scam becomes easier. By staying alert, checking details carefully, and avoiding rash clicks, you can protect not just your own digital security but also raise awareness among family and friends. In today’s connected world, being cautious online is as important as locking the doors of your home.