What you need to know
Phishing is a relatively new phenomenon that commonly uses websites and email to steal confidential information such as credit card numbers, passwords and other information that can be used for financial gain.
Typical phishing attempts involves receiving an email on a particular topic of importance or interest such as wining a prize, taxation department refund, topical news story on a disaster or threat, or to confirm financial information. The email will often ask for some action to be performed, such as clicking on a link or providing some information.
Spammers may impersonate the sender making the recipient think that the original email was from a legitimate source. This could mean that they use an institution's logo to convince you that it is official correspondence.
The email will usually request some action.
There is usually an attachment or a link. The purpose of the email is to entice the reader to click on the web link and login or provide other personal information. If you are in doubt, report the email to your services provider. You can also find more information here.