How to Spot a Phishing Email and Stay Safe Online

Phishing scams are more advanced than ever. In 2026, scammers use email, text messages, phone calls, QR codes, and even AI-generated voices to trick people into giving away personal information.

The good news? You can dramatically reduce your risk by following these simple steps.

What Is Phishing?

Phishing is a scam where criminals pretend to be a trusted company, government agency, delivery service, or even someone you know to steal:

Passwords
Banking information
Credit card numbers
Social Security numbers
One-time verification codes

Phishing can happen through email (traditional phishing), text messages (smishing), phone calls (vishing), social media, or fake websites.

1. Be Skeptical of Urgent Messages

Scammers rely on fear and urgency. Messages that say:

“Your account will be locked!”
“Suspicious login attempt!”
“Package delivery failed!”
“Immediate action required!”

are designed to make you panic and click without thinking.

Pause before responding.

2. Check the Full Email Address or Phone Number

Don’t just look at the display name. Tap or click to view the full sender details. Watch for:

Misspellings
Extra characters
Strange domains

If it looks even slightly off, delete it.

3. Don’t Trust the Lock Icon Alone

Many phishing websites now use HTTPS and show a padlock icon. The lock only means the connection is encrypted — not that the site is legitimate.

Always carefully read the full website address before entering passwords or financial information.

4. Never Share One-Time Codes

No legitimate company will call, text, or email you asking for your:

Password
Security questions
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) code

If someone asks for a verification code you just received, it’s almost certainly a scam.

5. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds a second layer of protection to your accounts. Even if someone steals your password, they can’t log in without the second factor.

Use an authenticator app whenever possible instead of text-message codes.

6. Use a Password Manager

Password managers:

Create strong, unique passwords
Auto-fill only on legitimate websites
Help prevent password reuse

If your password manager doesn’t auto-fill, double-check the website address.

7. Be Careful with Text Messages (Smishing)

Scam texts often pretend to be:

Banks
Package delivery services
Toll road agencies
Utility companies

Never click links in unexpected texts. Instead, visit the company’s official website directly.

8. Watch Out for QR Code Scams

Scammers now place fake QR codes on:

Parking meters
Restaurant tables
Utility bills
Email attachments

Before scanning, consider whether the code makes sense in that location.

9. Keep Your Devices Updated

Install software updates for your:

Phone
Computer
Browser
Apps

Updates often include security patches that block new phishing techniques.

10. Know the Red Flags

Common phishing warning signs include:

Poor grammar (though AI scams are improving)
Unexpected attachments
Requests for gift cards or wire transfers
Messages from “tech support” you didn’t contact
Pressure to act immediately

11. If You Clicked a Suspicious Link

Act quickly:

Change your password immediately
Turn on MFA if it’s not enabled
Run a malware scan
Monitor your bank and credit accounts

Fast action can prevent major damage.

12. When in Doubt, Contact the Company Directly

If you’re unsure whether a message is real, do not use the contact information provided in it.

Instead, look up the company’s official website and contact them directly.

Stay Alert. Stay Protected.

Phishing scams are constantly evolving, especially with AI making fake messages more convincing. But awareness and simple security habits can protect you and your family.

If you’ve received a message from Nuvera that seems suspicious and aren’t sure what to do, call us at 844.354.4111 for guidance and verification.

Staying cautious today can prevent identity theft tomorrow.