Phishing in 2025: Don’t Take the Bait

By Brian J. Riker 

Phishing scams are nothing new—they’ve been around long before anyone coined the term. What’s changed is how sophisticated these scams have become. With AI-driven creative writing, scammers can now mimic multiple languages with near-perfect accuracy. Gone are the days when broken grammar made it easy to spot a scam. 

The Evolution of Phishing Scams 

Previously, phishing attempts often came as poorly worded emails about your U.S. DOT number, bank account, or other registrations. These emails threatened legal trouble unless you acted quickly. Now, scams have advanced beyond email to include text messages and even phone calls, complete with polished scripts designed to trick you out of your money or personal information. 

Common Scams to Watch Out For 

Tracking Scams 

A popular scam involves receiving an email or text asking you to confirm your shipping address due to “unfortunate delays.” Given how frequently people shop online, it’s easy to see why so many fall for this. 

One variation of this scam even requests a nominal fee—usually less than a dollar—to fix a “shipping error.” Many don’t think twice about paying such a small amount and unwittingly hand over their credit card information. Scammers then confirm your account is active and sell your data on the dark web. 

Fake Toll Notices 

Another scam making the rounds involves fake messages from toll agencies, such as Massachusetts’ Ez-Pass program. These texts claim you owe a fine—typically a small amount like $6.99—and direct you to a website to pay. One savvy recipient spotted the scam because the amount seemed suspicious, and the web address wasn’t the official Ez-Pass URL. 

How to Protect Yourself 1. Verify Unsolicited Messages 1. Verify Unsolicited Messages 

Be cautious with any unexpected emails, texts, or phone calls. Legitimate institutions like banks and insurance companies usually won’t ask for sensitive information, such as your credit card’s CVV number, over the phone. If you’re unsure, hang up and call the organization directly using a known, official number.  2. Double-Check Web Links 2. Double-Check Web Links 

Pay close attention to links in emails or texts. Scammers often use spoofed URLs that look authentic at first glance. For example, www.amazon.com and www.AMAZ0N.com appear similar, but the latter is a fake. When in doubt, navigate to the website directly instead of clicking the link. 

By staying vigilant and taking these precautions, you can avoid falling victim to increasingly sophisticated phishing scams.