What is Phishing?
Phishing is a deceptive cybercrime tactic where criminals impersonate trusted entities (banks, social media, etc.) to steal your personal data. The goal is to trick you into providing sensitive information such as login credentials, bank details, or credit card numbers, for fraudulent purposes.
Phishing attacks often come in the form of fake emails, SMS messages (smishing), or even phone calls. The attackers create a sense of urgency or a compelling offer to lure you into revealing your information.
Protect How to Yourself Against Phishing
Always be cautious of unsolicited messages, emails, or phone calls requesting personal information. No legitimate organization will ever ask for your password, credit card details, or other sensitive data via email or SMS.
Before clicking on any links in an email or SMS, hover your mouse over the link to see the actual destination URL. Verify that the URL matches the legitimate website address. If in doubt, go directly to the official website by typing the address in your browser or using a saved bookmark.
Check the website address in your browser's address bar. Look for any typos or subtle differences in the URL that may indicate a fraudulent site. Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication where available.
If you suspect a phishing attempt, contact the organization in question directly to verify the authenticity of the message or call. Report suspicious emails to Signal Spam and phishing websites to Phishing Initiative.
Victim What to Do If You Are a of Phishing
If you've disclosed personal information, immediately contact the organization that was impersonated. Report the incident to the authorities (police or gendarmerie) and file a complaint. Contact your bank and credit card providers to report fraudulent transactions.
Change your passwords immediately for any accounts potentially compromised and monitor your accounts for any unauthorized activity. Keep all evidence of the phishing attempt, including emails, SMS messages, and any other related communications. Consider seeking assistance from France Victimes for free support.
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Phishing Quiz
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Report a Phishing Attempt
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Consequences for Cybercriminals
Cybercriminals engaging in phishing can face serious legal consequences. Depending on the nature of the offense, they may be charged with various crimes, including fraud (escroquerie), illegal collection of personal data, and unauthorized access to data processing systems.
Penalties can include imprisonment and substantial fines, depending on the severity of the crime and the laws of the jurisdiction.