How to recognize a phishing message impersonating a bank: a security checklist

Fraudsters are increasingly sending messages that look like notifications from banks. The goal of such emails and SMS is to make you click on a link and enter personal data. In this article, we have gathered universal signs that will help distinguish genuine communication from a fake. Please note: recommendations are of a general nature; check the exact safety rules with your bank. The date of information verification is not specified, as the article relies on generally accepted cybersecurity practices and requires editorial verification.

What is phishing and why is it dangerous

Phishing is a type of internet fraud where attackers pose as a trusted organization (for example, a bank) to lure out confidential information: logins, passwords, card details. The message can arrive via email, SMS, messenger, or even through social networks. The danger is that having gained access to your data, fraudsters can steal money from the account or take out a loan in your name.

Main signs of a phishing message

Although fraudsters are constantly improving their methods, most fakes can be identified by several typical signs:

— **Suspicious sender address.** Pay attention to the domain: instead of the official `bank.ru`, it might be `bank-secure.ru` or `bank.support.com`. Sometimes only one letter is different.
— **Urgency and pressure.** Phrases like "Your account is blocked", "Confirm data immediately" or "24 hours left" are designed to make you act without thinking.
— **Unusual links.** Hover over the link (long press on a phone) to see the real address. If it does not match the official bank website, you are facing phishing.
— **Errors in the text.** Grammatical errors, strange phrasing, machine translation are frequent companions of fakes.
— **Request for personal data.** A real bank generally does not request passwords, PIN codes, CVV codes or SMS codes via SMS or email. However, check your bank's policy: some services may send one-time codes to confirm operations.

This list is not exhaustive, and fraudsters may use more sophisticated scenarios.

Checklist: 5 steps to check a suspicious message

If you received a message on behalf of a bank and doubt its authenticity, follow these steps:

1. **Do not follow links.** Even if the message looks plausible, do not click on links or open attachments.
2. **Check the sender's address.** Compare it with the official bank contacts listed on its website or in your agreement.
3. **Contact the bank yourself.** Call the number you know for sure (from the back of the card or from the official website) and check if you were really sent such a message.
4. **Check the link.** If you still want to check where the link leads, copy it and paste it into a text editor to see the full address. Do not click on it.
5. **Report suspicion.** Most banks have special addresses or chats for reporting fraud — send them a screenshot or text of the message.

What to do if you have already clicked on the link

If you accidentally clicked on a phishing link and entered data, act quickly:

— **Block the card.** Call the bank or use the mobile app to temporarily block the card.
— **Change passwords.** Change your online banking password and, if you used the same password on other sites, change them too.
— **Check transaction history.** Make sure there were no unauthorized withdrawals. If found, report it to the bank immediately.
— **Contact the bank.** Describe the situation; card reissue or additional safety measures may be required.

Remember: the faster you react, the higher the chance of preventing theft.

How to approach the choice

Message verification algorithm: 1) assess whether you expected such a message; 2) check the sender's address; 3) hover over the link to see the real URL; 4) contact the bank using the official number; 5) do not enter any data until you verify authenticity.

Risks and verification questions

The main risk of phishing is the loss of money and the compromise of personal data. Restoring account access and reissuing cards may take time and require a personal visit to a branch. Some banks charge a fee for card reissuance if the compromise is the client's fault. Check the specific terms with your bank.

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Useful materials

• financial articles
• banks
• Credit cards