Learn essential tips to protect yourself from phishing scams, including email and SMS threats, by recognizing suspicious links and verifying unexpected messages.

Phishing is not just for email anymore. Increasingly, scammers are sending text message links designed to infect your mobile device. Phishing emails and SMS-ishing texts are an easy way to spread malware.

• Passwords in email = epic fail - If an email asks you to click a link and login, don’t do it! Only temporary passwords should ever travel via email, and they should require you to change them immediately.

• If you didn't expect it, reject it - Before clicking any links or attachments, confirm the validity of ALL unexpected emails and texts -- especially requests for resetting your passwords. There’s nothing wrong with reading an email, just don’t click unknown links.

• Hover to discover (long press) - Hover over links to see where they really go. If you’re using a tablet, perform a long press to show the real URL in a popup window.

• Check for trash before the slash - https://www.bbt.com/ is NOT the same as https://www.bbt-login.com (demonstration links, do not click!)

• Be wary of free app offers - Email and text messages that ask you to click a link and install a new app are most likely from scammers, not your friends. Only download apps from reliable sources like the App Store (Apple) or the Google Play Store (Android).