Hook, Line, and Sinker: Don’t Get Caught by Email Phishing!
- Rob Lamy
- Dec 7, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Email phishing is everywhere these days. Those sneaky cyber-criminals are getting really good at making their scams look legit. It feels like we have to read emails slower than ever—like we’re decoding a secret message! But here’s the big question: what if you don’t know what to look for?
Phishing works because scammers play on urgency. They want you to click before you think. Your brain is so busy processing the “important” request that you don’t even notice the tiny details—like a name spelled wrong by one letter. And that’s their game! They hope you’ll open that attachment or click that link without a second thought.
Here’s a real-life example: I recently got a website form submission from the VP of Finance at Columbia. It looked perfect—correct name, correct title, even the right hardware details. But one letter was off in the email address. Just one! Luckily, I reached out to the real VP and confirmed it was a spoof. He was grateful for the heads-up!
And guess what? Even the pros get caught. Our Malwarebytes channel manager, Fran DelVecchio, has been in the cyber biz for over 20 years. She knows the tricks, sells the software, and STILL fell for a phishing test at her company. (Good thing it was just a test!) If Fran can get fooled, anyone can.
Even at home, my husband double-checks with me before clicking on anything suspicious. Because here’s the truth: software helps, but people are the first line of defense—and the most common point of failure. We’re busy, distracted, and rushing through emails. That’s exactly what scammers count on.
How to Outsmart the Phishers
Here are some quick tips to keep you safe:
Check the sender’s email address: Look closely! A legit-looking name can hide a shady domain.
Watch for generic greetings: “Dear Sir or Madam” is a red flag. Real companies know your name.
Beware of urgency or unbelievable offers: If it sounds too good—or too scary—to be true, it probably is.
Don’t click suspicious links or open attachments: Hover over links to see where they really go.
Verify requests directly: Call or visit the company’s official site—not the one in the email.
Spot grammar and spelling errors: Many phishing emails still have obvious mistakes.
Training is Your Secret Weapon
Awareness training is critical. It helps even the busiest people slow down, ask questions, and verify. The best programs are short, recurring, and tailored to your team. Forget the once-a-year marathon session—try 10-minute modules every month or quarter. Quick, easy, and effective!
Bottom line: Stay alert, stay curious, and don’t let those phishers reel you in. 🐟
Nicole Prevenas
Sales & Marketing Manager
December 2025
