What's a phishing email?
A phishing email is usually defined as being "an attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity, in an electronic communication".
In other-words, phishing is the modern version of the age old problem of fraudsters trying to scam unsuspecting people. Those carrying out the phish will send malicious fake emails in an attempt to get you to reveal your sensitive information, usually with the end purpose of stealing money.
How to spot a phishing email
Fraudsters will often use our emotions in an attempt to get us to respond to the message, and reveal the information they want to gain.
Common themes that are used in scams can include: You’ve won a prize or some other unexpected financial gain, scare tactics, requests to donate to a charitable orginaisation, unusual email attachments and asking for personal information.