Phishing scams continue to evolve in 2025, and no one is safe. Whether you’re an individual, a small business, or part of a large enterprise, knowing how these scams work is the first step in protecting yourself.
Here are the 19 most common types of phishing attacks you should know in 2025, along with real-world examples and how to stay protected.
1. Email Phishing
What it is: Fake emails disguised as trusted sources (like your bank or Amazon). Example: “Your account has been suspended. Click here to reactivate.” How to avoid: Check the sender’s email and don’t click suspicious links.
2. Spear Phishing
What it is: Personalized phishing targeting specific individuals or organizations. Example: “Hey John, here’s the invoice from last week’s meeting.” How to avoid: Verify unknown requests through a second channel.
3. Whaling
What it is: Targeting executives and high-profile individuals. Example: Fake legal notice or urgent business transaction email. How to avoid: Use advanced threat detection systems and educate leadership.
4. Smishing (SMS Phishing)
What it is: Scam messages sent via text. Example: “You’ve won a prize! Click to claim.” How to avoid: Never click links in messages from unknown senders.
5. Vishing (Voice Phishing)
What it is: Phone calls pretending to be from tech support, banks, etc. Example: “We’ve detected unusual activity on your account.” How to avoid: Hang up and call the company directly from a verified number.
6. Clone Phishing
What it is: Copying a real email but swapping out a legitimate link or attachment. Example: Resending a previous email with a malicious link added. How to avoid: Compare emails carefully, especially attachments.
7. Pharming
What it is: Redirecting you to a fake website, even if the URL looks correct. Example: Typing your bank’s web address and ending up on a fake clone. How to avoid: Use HTTPS, antivirus software, and secure DNS.
8. Business Email Compromise (BEC)
What it is: Hackers pose as your boss or vendor to steal money or data. Example: “Wire $10,000 to this new vendor account.” How to avoid: Always verify requests through another channel.
9. Social Media Phishing
What it is: Fake accounts, DMs, or ads on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Example: “We’re giving away free iPhones! Click to enter.” How to avoid: Verify profiles and report suspicious activity.
10. Search Engine Phishing
What it is: Fake websites ranking in search results for popular queries. Example: A Fake login page for Gmail or PayPal. How to avoid: Avoid shady links; bookmark trusted sites.
11. Angler Phishing
What it is: Targeting people via fake customer support on social media. Example: “We noticed your complaint. Please verify your info here.” How to avoid: Always go to official support channels.
12. Calendar Phishing
What it is: Calendar invites with malicious links or fake meeting requests. Example: “You’re invited to a confidential meeting — click to join.” How to avoid: Don’t accept unknown invites and check calendar settings.
13. QR Code Phishing (Quishing)
What it is: Fake QR codes leading to phishing websites. Example: QR codes on posters or emails that lead to login pages. How to avoid: Only scan QR codes from trusted sources.
14. Man-in-the-Middle Phishing
What it is: Intercepting communication between two parties. Example: Fake Wi-Fi networks that capture login credentials. How to avoid: Use VPNs and avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive actions.
15. Malware Phishing
What it is: Emails or links that install malware on your device. Example: “Download your invoice” link installs ransomware. How to avoid: Use antivirus software and avoid unknown attachments.
16. Dropbox/Google Drive Phishing
What it is: Fake shared files leading to credential harvesting. Example: “Someone shared a file with you” — links to fake login. How to avoid: Check sender identity and use official login portals.
17. SaaS App Phishing
What it is: Targeting SaaS platforms like Slack, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams. Example: “New policy update — log in to review.” How to avoid: Only log in through known apps or websites.
18. CEO Fraud
What it is: Posing as a CEO or high-ranking executive to trick employees. Example: “Please send me the employee W-2s urgently.” How to avoid: Educate staff and enforce verification policies.
19. AI-Generated Deepfake Phishing
What it is: Using AI to mimic voices or faces in videos/calls. Example: “A video from your CEO asking for sensitive info.” How to avoid: Double-check video sources and use multi-layer authentication.
Final Tips to Stay Safe in 2025
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Keep your software and antivirus updated
- Educate yourself and your team regularly
- Think before you click or share