What is a phishing scam?

A phishing scam can be defined as fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, by disguising as a trustworthy entity in electronic communications.

Each of the scenarios provided illustrates a different method commonly used in phishing attacks. An urgent email from a trusted source asking for information often instills a sense of anxiety or urgency in the recipient, prompting them to respond quickly without verifying the sender's authenticity. Emails appearing to come from known contacts can create the illusion of legitimacy, making it easier for scammers to deceive individuals. Additionally, scams that request direct bank transfers can appear genuine by mimicking trusted organizations or individuals, often employing social engineering tactics to persuade the target to act without questioning it.

Because all these methods share the common objective of deceiving individuals to extract personal or financial information, identifying them collectively as phishing scams underscores the various tactics employed by cybercriminals, thereby validating that the correct answer encompasses all options presented.