Phishing Attacks Explained: How to Identify and Report Online Scams Before It’s Too Late

These scams aren’t amateur attempts; they’re professional operations built to deceive even the most vigilant employees. A single click on a malicious link can expose sensitive data, disrupt operations, or trigger costly ransomware attacks.

For London businesses, where digital communication drives every client interaction and transaction, phishing awareness isn’t optional — it’s essential. At Support Tree, we help companies stay one step ahead with managed IT support and cybersecurity solutions that detect, prevent, and respond to phishing threats before they cause damage.

What Is a Phishing Attack?

Phishing is a cybercrime technique where attackers impersonate trusted organisations or individuals to deceive recipients. The message might contain:

• A malicious link that downloads malware or ransomware.
• A fake website that steals login details or payment information.
• An urgent request for confidential data or money.

Some campaigns are sent to thousands of inboxes in the hope that someone will click, while others, known as spear phishing, are carefully targeted using real information from LinkedIn, company websites, or social media to make them look legitimate.

Why Phishing Is So Dangerous for Businesses?

Phishing attacks exploit human behaviour: curiosity, trust, and the pressure to respond quickly. Once a link is clicked or credentials are entered, attackers can:

• Steal sensitive data such as client information, passwords, or financial records.
• Install ransomware or spyware to control systems.
• Launch further attacks across your network.
• Damage your business reputation and customer trust.

For small and medium-sized businesses, even one successful phishing attack can result in data loss, financial impact, and regulatory penalties under GDPR.

How to Spot a Phishing Email or Message?

Attackers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but there are still tell-tale signs of a scam. Look out for:

1. Unusual Sender Details: Check the email address carefully. It may look almost identical to a legitimate one, but with subtle misspellings or extra characters.
2. Spelling or Grammar Errors: Professional organisations rarely make obvious mistakes in their communications.
3. Urgent or Threatening Language: Messages claiming your account will be locked or that payment is overdue are designed to make you act fast.
4. Unexpected Attachments or Links: Never open files or click links unless you’re certain they’re safe.
5. Generic Greetings: “Dear Customer” instead of your name or company contact is a common giveaway.

If something feels even slightly off,  it probably is.

How to Report a Phishing Attempt?

Quick reporting helps limit the damage, both to your organisation and others.

If you receive a suspicious email:

• Don’t click links or open attachments.
• Forward the message to your IT team or managed security provider immediately.
• You can also report it to the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre by forwarding it to report@phishing.gov.uk.

If you receive a suspicious text (SMS):

• Don’t reply or click links.
• Forward the text to 7726 (it spells “SPAM” on your keypad).

If you think you’ve entered your details on a fake site:

• Change your password immediately using a secure device.
• Notify your IT support team so they can investigate and block access if necessary.
• Monitor your accounts for unusual activity.

How Businesses Can Prevent Phishing Damage?

Spotting scams is important, but prevention and response are even more critical. A modern, layered defence combines people, processes, and technology:

• Email security filtering to block malicious content before it reaches inboxes.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect logins even if credentials are stolen.
• Regular patching and updates to close vulnerabilities.
• User awareness training that empowers staff to recognise and report threats.
• Incident response plans so your team knows exactly what to do if something slips through.

This multi-layered approach not only prevents phishing but also strengthens your overall cyber resilience.

Creating a Culture of Cyber Awareness

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue — it’s a business issue. The most effective organisations foster a positive reporting culture where employees feel confident to raise concerns without fear of blame.

At Support Tree, we help London businesses build that culture through tailored IT support and cybersecurity solutions. From awareness training to real-time threat monitoring, we ensure your systems and people work together to stay one step ahead of attackers.

Phishing scams are becoming more convincing, but with the right mix of vigilance and protection, your business can avoid becoming a victim. The key is to think before you click, verify before you share, and report before it spreads.

If your organisation needs help strengthening its defences against phishing and other cyber threats, our Managed IT Support and Cyber Security team in London is here to help.

Contact Support TreeStay ahead of scams with proactive IT support, advanced monitoring, and expert cyber security for your London business.Get in touch today to discuss how we can secure your people and data.