Avoiding Phishing Scams: A Non-Tech User’s Cheat Sheet (2025 Guide)

You don’t need hacker skills or pricey software to stay safe online. Most phishing attacks crumble once you know their tell-tale signs. This cheat sheet breaks down the scams and the simple defenses—no tech degree required.

Table of Contents

• Table of Contents
• 1. What Is Phishing, Really?
• 2. Fast Visual Checks (10-Second Test)
• 3. Verify Links Without Clicking
• 4. Double-Check the Sender
• 5. Treat Attachments as Poison Ivy
• 6. Beat Voice & SMS Phishing (Vishing/Smishing)
• 7. Use Built-In Shields
• 8. Quick Actions After a Slip-Up
• 9. Teach Friends & Family (Grandma-Proof)
• 10. Common Myths Debunked
• 11. Conclusion

1. What Is Phishing, Really?

Imagine a con-artist mailing thousands of imitation letters hoping a handful reply. Phishing is the digital version—fake emails, texts, or calls designed to steal logins, credit-cards, or install malware.

Common lures include:

• "Confirm your password or lose access"
• "Package delivery failed—click to reschedule"
• "URGENT: Tax refund waiting"

2. Fast Visual Checks (10-Second Test)

If two or more boxes raise eyebrows, assume it’s a phish.

3. Verify Links Without Clicking

1. Hover (desktop) or long-press (mobile) to preview.
2. Legit sites use https:// and clean domains (apple.com, not apple-support-secure.com).
3. Still unsure? Type the company’s website manually in your browser instead of clicking.

4. Double-Check the Sender

Phishers spoof display names like Amazon Support.

• On Gmail: click the tiny arrow next to the name to see the real address.
• On iPhone Mail: tap the name, then More Info.
• If the domain after @ doesn’t match the brand, delete.

5. Treat Attachments as Poison Ivy

• Never open unexpected invoices or shipping labels.
• Banks, tax agencies, and big retailers rarely send attachments—they direct you to secure portals instead.
• If the file ends in .html, .exe, or .docm, it’s almost always malicious.

6. Beat Voice & SMS Phishing (Vishing/Smishing)

Phone scams are rising:

• Robocall claims: "Your bank account is frozen. Press 1." Hang up and call the number on your card instead.
• Text from “FedEx”: "Tap to pay duty fees." Search your tracking ID on the official site.

Remember: real agents won’t demand sensitive info over phone or text.

7. Use Built-In Shields

These raise roadblocks even if you slip up.

8. Quick Actions After a Slip-Up

Speed is your ally—act within minutes, not days.

9. Teach Friends & Family (Grandma-Proof)

• Share this cheat sheet.
• Role-play a suspicious call; see if they spot the cue.
• Encourage them to ask "Could this be fake?" before reacting.

10. Common Myths Debunked

11. Conclusion

Phishing preys on haste and curiosity. Pause, inspect, and verify—those few seconds keep your data, cash, and sanity intact. Bookmark this cheat sheet, share it widely, and practice the tips until they’re second nature. Stay alert, stay sceptical, and surf safer! 🛡️