Phishing red flags: A quick guide to staying safe

Update | Friday, February 20, 2026

Phishing messages are designed to trick you into clicking a link, opening an attachment, or sharing sensitive information like passwords or payment details. They often look urgent and “official” to pressure you into acting quickly. If something feels off, pause and verify the request using a trusted method like a known phone number or official website. 

Five red flags of phishing: 

1.     Generic greeting or unusual, vague wording 

2.     Threats that your account will be suspended

3.     Misspelled websites

4.     Unexpected links, QR codes, or attachments

5.     Requests for passwords, MFA codes, gift cards, or personal data 

Visit IT Security Best Practices and Phishing for additional information. If you get a suspicious email, report it to abuse@cscc.edu, or call the IT Support Center at 614-287-5050. 

 

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