When your phone buzzes or a new email pops up, it’s easy to tap without a second thought. But in today’s digital world, that quick reaction could cost you more than just time—it could cost your personal information, your money, and your peace of mind.

Phishing scams are getting smarter, and fraudsters are getting bolder. The good news? Staying alert is one of the easiest ways to keep you and your data safe.

What is Phishing — and Why Does It Work?

Phishing is a type of scam where criminals impersonate trusted organizations—like your credit union, a government agency, or a delivery service—to trick you into sharing personal information. These scams can appear through emails, text messages, phone calls, or even fake websites.

They work because they look real. Scammers use official-looking logos, urgent language, and familiar names to make you act fast—before you have time to think twice.

Common Signs of Phishing Scams

Whether it’s an email claiming “your account has been locked” or a text that says “click here to verify,” these red flags can help you recognize a scam before it’s too late:

• Urgent or threatening language: Messages that demand immediate action or claim your account will be closed.
• Unfamiliar sender address or number: Look closely—one extra letter or symbol can make a fake domain appear real.
• Suspicious links or attachments: Hover (don’t click!) your cursor over links to preview the URL. If it doesn’t match the company’s official site, don’t open it.
• Requests for personal or financial information: Legitimate financial institutions will never ask you to share passwords, PINs, or account details over email or text.
• Generic greetings: “Dear Customer” instead of using your actual name.
• Too-good-to-be-true offers: If it feels off, it probably is.

Phishing Examples You Might See in 2025

Scammers evolve with technology. Here are some of the most common phishing examples circulating this year:

• Fake bank alerts: Texts claiming your debit card is locked with a link to “verify” your account.
• Package delivery scams: Emails pretending to be from a delivery service, such as USPS or UPS, asking you to pay a small “delivery fee.”
• Subscription renewal fraud: Posing as Netflix, Apple, or Amazon saying your subscription has expired.
• AI voice scams: Fraudsters using cloned voices of loved ones or bank representatives to request money or credentials.

Staying alert to these new tactics is your best defense!

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

If you suspect a phishing attempt—or if you’ve already clicked a suspicious link—don’t panic. Follow these steps:

1. Stop engaging immediately. Don’t reply, click again, or download anything.
2. Change your passwords. Update login information for any affected accounts.
3. Enable two-factor authentication. This will add an extra layer of protection.
4. Report it. Forward phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org or report texts to 7726 (SPAM).
5. Contact your financial institution. As a First Financial member, you can call us directly at (410) 321-6060 to verify any suspicious activity.

Protect Yourself With Ongoing Education

Fraud prevention isn’t a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing habit. Learning how to recognize scams before they happen gives you the confidence to bank and browse safely.

Your security matters to us. Visit our Security Center to learn how First Financial actively protects members and shares the latest fraud prevention updates.

You can also visit our Banzai Financial Wellness Center to explore free, interactive courses on online safety, identity theft protection, and smart digital habits.

Together, we can keep your accounts—and your information—secure!

Stay Vigilant, Stay Secure

First Financial will NEVER contact you unexpectedly by text, email, or phone to request information such as your online banking username, password, or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) code. We also won’t send representatives to your home to collect debit or credit cards.

Please note: If you call First Financial directly, we may ask for a one-time verification code to confirm your identity.

At First Financial, we’re committed to protecting your personal and financial security—so you can focus on what matters most.