What is phishing used for?

A phishing attack usually starts with an email asking you to reveal confidential data. A phishing email may make an enticing offer or demand immediate action.

In most cases, you will receive a link that leads to a fake website where you can enter confidential data, such as:

• Access data from your e-banking
• Credit card data
• Passwords
• PIN codes
• Security codes
• Access data to online auction providers

How does phishing work?

This is how you unmask phishing e-mails

To avoid becoming a victim of phishing, look out for these typical characteristics:

How to act correctly

• Do not open any listed links in the mail
• Do not call the telephone number given in the mail
• If you are unsure, contact the company using the method you are already familiar with

Did you enter your data by mistake?

Don’t worry – something like this can happen.
Here is how to react correctly in such a situation:

You can find more information on the topic of “phishing” in our accompanying handout.