Staying vigilant against cyber threats is more important than ever. Phishing scams—where criminals attempt to steal personal and financial information—continue to evolve, using increasingly sophisticated tactics to trick consumers.

At Busey Bank, we’re committed to helping our customers stay informed and protected. Here’s what you need to know about phishing in 2025 and how to safeguard your accounts.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a form of online fraud where cybercriminals impersonate trusted sources—such as banks, government agencies or well-known companies—to deceive individuals into providing sensitive information, such as login credentials, Social Security numbers or banking details. These attacks can occur through email, text messages, phone calls or even fake websites.

Once scammers obtain this information, they can use it to access your accounts, make unauthorized transactions or commit identity theft. As phishing techniques grow more sophisticated, staying informed is key to protecting yourself.

Most Common Phishing Methods in 2025

Phishing scams come in many forms. Some of the most common and emerging tactics include:

1. Email Phishing. Fraudsters send emails that appear to come from legitimate organizations, urging you to unknowingly click on malicious links or download harmful attachments.
2. Smishing (SMS Phishing). Scammers send fake text messages claiming to be from a legitimate business like your bank or a service provider, asking you to confirm personal details or click on a fraudulent link.
3. Vishing (Voice Phishing). Criminals call posing as bank representatives, government officials or tech support personnel, trying to pressure you into revealing confidential information.
4. Social Media Scams. Fraudsters create fake social media profiles impersonating banks, customer service representatives or even people you know to trick you into sharing private details.
5. Deepfake and AI-Generated Scams. In another of the latest threats in 2025, cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence (AI) to create highly convincing fake videos, voice recordings and even real-time deepfake calls that mimic the voices and appearances of trusted individuals. These scams can be used to manipulate victims into transferring funds or revealing confidential data.
6. QR Code Phishing (Quishing). With the rising use of QR codes, scammers now embed malicious links into fake QR codes, leading users to fraudulent websites designed to steal their credentials.
7. Fake Customer Support Scams. Attackers create realistic-looking fake websites or ads offering help with your banking issues, tricking you into providing sensitive account information.

Recognizing and Avoiding Phishing Scams

The best way to protect yourself from phishing is to stay cautious and verify all communication. Here are some practical tips:

• Be Skeptical of Unexpected Messages. If you receive an email, text or call requesting personal information, pause and think before responding. Banks, including Busey Bank, will never ask for sensitive details via email or text.
• Check for Red Flags. Phishing attempts often have poor grammar, generic greetings (e.g., “Dear Customer”) or urgent demands to take immediate action.
• Verify Links and Email Addresses. Hover over links to see where they lead before clicking. Always double-check email senders to ensure they match official domains.
• Avoid Scanning Suspicious QR Codes. If you scan a QR code, ensure the website it directs you to is legitimate before entering any personal information.
• Authenticate Calls and Messages. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be your bank, hang up and call the official number listed on your bank’s website.
• Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Enable MFA on your online accounts for an extra layer of security. Even if your password is compromised, MFA makes it harder for criminals to access your account.
• Stay Updated on the Latest Scams. Cybercriminals constantly evolve their tactics. Follow trusted sources like Busey Bank’s Money Matters blog and social media accounts for alerts on new fraud schemes.
• Report Suspicious Activity. If you suspect a phishing attempt, report it to Busey Bank immediately. Your quick action can help prevent fraud and protect others.

Stay Safe with Busey Bank

Your security is our top priority. At Busey, we offer fraud protection tools, secure banking options and educational resources to help you stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and your financial well-being from phishing scams.

If you believe you’ve been the victim of fraud or a scam on a Busey account, contact our Customer Care team, reach out to your Relationship Manager or visit your local Banking Center to place a fraud alert on your account. You can also read our Fraud Prevention FAQs for more information or check out our Fraud Prevention Toolkit.