What is phishing?

Phishing refers to the process of tricking an email recipient into sharing sensitive information with an unknown third party.

Typically, you receive an email that appears to come from a reputable organization, such as:

• Banks
• Social media (Facebook, Twitter)
• Online games
• Online services with access to your financial information (e.g., iTunes, student loans, accounting services)
• Southwest’s IT department, systems administrator, technical support, or help desk

The email includes what appears to be a link to the organization’s website. However, if you follow the link, you are connected to a counterfeit website. Any details you enter, such as account numbers or passwords, can be stolen and used by the hackers and/or spammers who created the bogus site.