Spot Phishing Scams: Stay One Step Ahead

As phishing tactics get more convincing, email remains scammers’ favorite weapon - last year the FTC received over 2.6 million fraud reports, with email as the #1 attack vector. Here’s how to protect your information without thinking in “steps.”

1. Recognize the Red FlagsPhishing emails and spoofed sites often mimic real brands, urging you to “act now” to avoid account freezes or security breaches. Watch for poor grammar, unexpected attachments, or URLs that almost... but don’t quite match the real thing.

2. Verify Before You ClickIf you’re unsure, don’t reply or tap any links. Instead, contact the company using a phone number or website you trust like the number on the back of your card or their official site and confirm the request’s legitimacy.

3. Delete Suspicious MessagesSimply hitting Delete is often the best move. Don’t forward phishing emails to colleagues or family; instead, send them to spam@uce.gov and reportphishing@antiphishing.org to help fight these scams.

4. Watch Your Social Feeds
Phishing isn’t limited to email. Fraudulent links and posts can appear on social media. Remove any suspicious ads, status updates, tweets or DMs that ask for your personal info.

5. Act Fast if You’re a Victim
Contact Horizon Bank immediately at 888-873-2640 if you think your account’s been compromised. Then visit our Security Center for steps to secure your accounts and report fraud.