What to Do If You Receive a Phishing Email

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What Is a Phishing Email and Why Should You Care?

A phishing email is a deceptive message sent by cybercriminals aiming to trick you into giving away sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers. These emails often impersonate trusted organizations such as banks, government agencies, or well-known companies. They may look convincing, using logos, official-sounding language, or even fake sender addresses. The intent is to steal your identity, money, or infect your computer with malware.

Phishing emails matter because falling victim can lead to financial loss, identity theft, or unauthorized access to your accounts. For example, if a phishing email convinces you to reset your bank password through a fake site, scammers can then log in and drain your funds. Understanding phishing emails builds your digital safety skills and helps protect your privacy. You can refer to Phishing Email Meaning and Risks for more detailed background.

What Should You Prepare Before Handling a Phishing Email?

Before you respond to a suspicious email, get ready by gathering these essentials:

• Secure Device: Use a computer or phone with updated antivirus software and a secure internet connection.
• Official Contact Info: Have the legitimate phone numbers or website addresses of your bank, employer, or the organization impersonated in the email, so you can verify the message’s authenticity independently.
• Reporting Channels: Know how to report phishing emails through your email provider (like Gmail or Outlook), as well as government sites such as the FTC or FBI IC3.
• Calm Mindset: Be patient and methodical. Avoid rushing into clicking links or replying, which scammers rely on to catch you off-guard.

Preparing these details helps you safely and effectively deal with suspicious emails without risking harm or panic.

What Exact Steps Should You Take If You Receive a Phishing Email?

Follow this step-by-step approach to handle a phishing email:

1. Do Not Click Links or Open Attachments: Phishing emails often contain harmful links or files that can install viruses or steal data. For example, if you see a link claiming to update your password, avoid clicking it.

1. Examine the Sender’s Email Address: Look closely at the sender’s address for small misspellings or odd domains. For instance, an official letter from a bank may come from “@bankofamerica.com,” but a phishing email could be “@bankofarnerica.com” with an “r” instead of an “m.”

1. Check for Red Flags in the Email Content: Look for poor grammar, urgent demands (“Your account will be closed if you don’t respond in 24 hours!”), or requests for personal information. Legitimate companies typically don’t ask for passwords or Social Security numbers via email.

1. Verify Through Official Channels: Instead of replying or clicking, call or visit the organization’s official website using contact info you have independently. For example, if the email claims your credit card is compromised, directly call the number on your card.

1. Report the Email: Use your email provider’s “Report phishing” feature or forward the email to official agencies: FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov FBI IC3: ic3.gov Your company’s fraud department, if applicable This helps stop scammers and improves spam filters.

1. Delete the Email Permanently: After reporting, delete it from your inbox and trash folder to avoid accidental clicks later.

1. Update Your Passwords if You Responded or Clicked: If you mistakenly entered info or clicked on links, immediately change the passwords on the affected accounts and any accounts using the same password.

1. Run a Security Scan: Use antivirus and anti-malware software to check your device for infections.

By following these clear steps, you minimize the chance of losing data or falling victim to fraud.

How Can You Confirm Your Actions Were Effective?

After dealing with a phishing email, check for these signs to confirm your response worked:

• You never clicked suspicious links or downloaded attachments from the email.
• The phishing email is completely removed from your email folders, including trash or spam.
• You successfully submitted a report to your email provider or government agencies.
• Your accounts show no unexpected activity, such as unknown transactions or access.
• Security software reports your device is clean following a scan.
• You feel confident you can recognize similar scams in the future.

For example, if you receive a fake email pretending to be from your bank but call the bank using verified contact info and confirm no issues exist, you have effectively avoided the scam.

If any of these conditions aren’t met—such as if you clicked a link or noticed account irregularities—take immediate additional steps outlined in the next section.

What Should You Do If Things Go Wrong?

If you accidentally clicked a phishing link, opened an attachment, or provided personal information, act quickly:

• Change Passwords Immediately: Update passwords for the affected accounts and any others sharing the same or similar passwords. Use strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification step when logging in.
• Contact Your Financial Institutions: Notify banks or credit card companies about the potential compromise. They can freeze accounts or watch for suspicious activity.
• File Reports: Report the incident to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. This helps law enforcement track phishing trends.
• Consider Fraud Alerts or Credit Freezes: Place a fraud alert or freeze on your credit reports to prevent new accounts opening in your name. Visit identitytheft.gov for guidance.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check bank statements, credit reports, and emails for unfamiliar activity.
• Run Full Security Scans: Use reputable antivirus software to detect and remove malware from your device.
• Consult Professionals: If unsure, contact a trusted IT professional or your organization's IT department for help.

Taking these steps quickly can limit damage and help regain control.

How Can You Adapt These Steps for Different Audiences?

Adapting phishing email guidance ensures it fits diverse needs:

• Older Adults: Use simple language focusing on “don’t click,” “call a trusted person,” and “verify before acting.” Encourage them to ask a family member or friend if unsure. For example, “If you get an email asking for money or passwords, call your bank directly using the number on your statement.”

• Teens and Young Adults: Relate phishing to social media scams and fake messages from “friends.” Teach them to pause before clicking and to show suspicious messages to parents or teachers.

• Small Business Owners: Train employees on phishing signs and establish clear reporting procedures. Encourage regular cybersecurity training and use of company-wide spam filters.

• Educators: Incorporate phishing education into digital literacy curricula with real-world examples and practice exercises.

Tailoring communication helps people understand phishing risks and how to protect themselves effectively.

Why Is Reporting Phishing Emails Important?

Reporting phishing emails plays a key role in cybersecurity by:

• Alerting companies and authorities about active scams, allowing them to block or shut down fraudulent accounts.
• Improving email provider filters, which reduces the number of phishing emails reaching inboxes.
• Helping law enforcement track and prosecute cybercriminals.
• Protecting others by removing dangerous emails from circulation.

Many ask, “Can you report phishing emails?” Yes, and doing so benefits the entire online community. You can report phishing emails through your email provider’s tools or government websites like the FTC and FBI IC3. The process is simple and can be done with a few clicks or a forwarded message. See How to Report a Phishing Text Message for similar instructions applicable to emails as well.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if an email is a phishing attempt or legitimate?

Look for poor grammar, suspicious sender addresses, urgent or threatening messages, and requests for sensitive info. Legitimate emails use your name and direct you to official websites without pressuring you.

What should I do if I accidentally gave my password in a phishing email?

Change your password immediately, enable two-factor authentication, notify the service provider, and monitor your accounts for unusual activity. Consider reporting the incident to the FTC and FBI IC3.

Can phishing emails infect my computer just by opening them?

Usually, opening an email alone won’t infect your device. The risk comes from clicking malicious links or downloading attachments inside the email.

How can I report a phishing email to my email provider?

Most email platforms have a “Report phishing” or “Mark as spam” option. Use this feature to help them block similar emails and protect other users.

Is it safe to reply to a suspicious email to ask if it’s legitimate?

No, replying can confirm your email is active to scammers and may expose you to further phishing attempts. Always verify through official contact info found independently.

What if I don’t have antivirus software? Can I still deal with phishing emails safely?

Yes, by avoiding clicking any links or downloading attachments, you reduce risk. Consider installing reputable antivirus software for extra protection.