Phishing Attacks Are Spiking: How to Recognize and Report Them
Martha Raber
?? GRC & AI Innovator | Head of Global GRC @ Trustero | Compliance, Security & Risk Expert | CRISC, CISM, CISSP, CIPM
Lately, it feels like phishing scams are hitting inboxes and phones harder than ever. If you have noticed an increase in suspicious messages, you are not alone. Cybercriminals are getting more creative, and it is up to all of us to stay vigilant.
Real Examples of Recent Phishing Attempts
Here are just a few scams making the rounds:
? The "Random Invite" Text Scam A text from a random number: "Can you meet up for dinner tomorrow?" Goal: To elicit a response. Once you reply, the scammer knows your number is active and may follow up with more malicious attempts.
? The Peach Pass Toll Fraud Scam A text claiming, "You have an outstanding toll balance. Click here to pay now!" Goal: To trick you into entering payment details on a fake website.
? The Fake Apple Charge Alert "You have been charged $148.49 at Apple Store via Apple Pay for an App Subscription." Goal: To make you panic and click on a fraudulent link to "review your purchase," ultimately leading to credential theft.
How to Recognize Phishing Attempts
Phishing scams rely on urgency, fear, or curiosity to trick people into responding. Here are some red flags to watch for:
?? Unexpected Messages – If you were not expecting a payment request, account notice, or random invitation, be skeptical.
?? Urgency or Threats – Scammers want you to act fast. Messages that say "Your account will be suspended" or "Final notice!" should raise red flags.
?? Suspicious Links – Never click on links from unknown senders. Instead, go directly to the official website to verify any claims.
?? Requests for Personal Information – Legitimate companies will never ask for your password, credit card details, or Social Security number over text or email.
How to Report and Protect Yourself
It is not just about avoiding phishing attempts ... it is about stopping them from spreading. Here is how you can help:
?? On iPhone – Press and hold the message → Tap “Report Junk.”
?? On Email (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) – Mark the email as phishing instead of just deleting it.
?? For Financial Scams – Instead of clicking links in messages, go directly to the official company website and check for notifications there.
?? For Workplace Scams – Report to your IT/security team. Many phishing attempts target employees as an entry point for larger attacks.
Final Thoughts: Awareness is Our Best Defense
Phishing scams succeed when people do not recognize them. The more we talk about them and report them, the harder we make it for scammers to succeed.