11 Phishing Simulation Templates You Can Try in 2026

Phishing attacks are evolving rapidly, with attackers now using AI technologies to create highly convincing scams. In fact, 60% of recipients fall victim to GenAI-driven phishing attacks, a rate comparable to traditional phishing techniques, according to Harvard Business Review.

Even with advanced email security systems and threat detection tools in place, attackers continue to exploit human behavior as the easiest entry point. Without focused training, employees can still fall for increasingly sophisticated scams.

Realistic phishing simulations allow teams to experience how deceptive these threats have become, helping them detect and report real attacks with greater confidence.

In this blog, we’ll explore 11 phishing simulation templates you can try in 2026 to strengthen your team's awareness, reduce risk, and protect your organization from modern phishing threats.

Why Use Phishing Simulation Templates in 2026?

Modern phishing attacks are highly convincing, using AI and deepfake technologies to mimic trusted sources across emails, messages, and even video calls. This makes it harder than ever for employees to distinguish real from fake.

Phishing simulation templates offer a safe way to test and train employees by exposing them to realistic, evolving threats. Instead of relying on theory, teams build real instincts through hands-on experience.

Regular simulations help organizations:

• Identify users at risk.
• Deliver targeted, behavior-based training.
• Strengthen overall security culture.

In 2026, it’s critical to simulate not just traditional phishing but also AI-driven emails, QR code scams, callback attacks, and deepfake impersonations to fully prepare your workforce.

For more insights on how attackers manipulate emotions during phishing attacks, check out Phishing Examples by Emotional Triggers: How Scammers Exploit Human Emotions.

11 Phishing Simulation Templates to Strengthen Your Workforce

Phishing simulations are most effective when they mirror the real tactics attackers use today. The more realistic and diverse your simulations are, the better your employees can recognize and respond to threats.

In 2026, it’s no longer enough to simulate only basic email phishing. Employees need exposure to a variety of attacks—email scams, SMS phishing, QR code traps, callback phishing calls, and even deepfake impersonations.

Below, we highlight 10 essential phishing simulation templates that can help you build a stronger, more resilient workforce. Each template targets different attack methods and emotional triggers, giving your teams the practical experience they need to spot and stop real-world threats.

1. Business Email Compromise (BEC) Template

This simulation mimics an attacker posing as a high-level executive, such as a CEO or CFO, requesting an urgent wire transfer or sensitive financial information. The goal is to test whether employees verify unusual requests before taking action.

Using a Business Email Compromise (BEC) template helps employees recognize red flags like urgent language, unusual payment instructions, and unexpected sender addresses, reinforcing a cautious mindset for real-world scenarios.

One example is the “CEO Fraud: Lost my wallet” template, where the attacker impersonates a traveling executive urgently asking for money to be wired. This type of emotional appeal leverages urgency and authority—two common triggers used in real BEC scams.

BEC Attack Scenario Overview

Subject Line Example

Urgent Request – Need Your Help Today

Email Body Template (Copy/Paste)

Hi [Employee Name],

I’m currently traveling and need you to process an urgent wire transfer today.

Please reply ASAP so I can send the payment details.

This must be handled before end of business.

Thanks,

[CEO Name]

What Employees Should Notice

• Unusual urgency
• Executive authority pressure
• Financial request outside normal workflow

Explore how you can launch realistic BEC simulations easily with our Free Phishing Simulation Test.

2. QR Code Phishing (Quishing) Template

This simulation tests whether employees scan unfamiliar QR codes that lead to fake login pages or malicious websites. Quishing attacks are especially effective in physical environments like office posters, flyers, or event handouts.

An example from the Keepnet Quishing Simulator shows a spoofed "Google Account Recovery" email. It urges the recipient to scan a QR code to secure their account—exactly the kind of emotional trigger that attackers use to lower suspicion and prompt immediate action.

Use this template to train employees to think twice before scanning codes—especially those prompting logins, payments, or downloads.

Subject Line Example

Security Alert: Scan QR Code to Secure Your Account

Email Body Template (Copy/Paste)

Hi [Employee Name],

We detected unusual login activity on your Google account.

To prevent suspension, please scan the QR code below and verify your identity immediately.

Failure to act within 30 minutes may result in account lockout.

[Insert QR Code Image]

Security Team

What Employees Should Notice

• QR code replacing normal login link
• Fear + urgency trigger
• Request to authenticate outside official portal

Run dynamic QR phishing scenarios using the Quishing Simulator.

3. Callback Phishing (TOAD) Template

This simulation targets users with phishing emails that include a phone number, urging them to call for urgent support—often about suspicious account activity, subscription renewals, or malware alerts.

Instead of clicking a link, users are tricked into calling attackers who impersonate IT or customer service agents. These phone-based scams rely on social engineering to extract passwords, gain remote access, or pressure employees into transferring funds.

This template helps your team recognize non-digital phishing attempts and reinforces the importance of verifying all phone-based instructions before responding.

Subject Line Example

Action Required: Call Support Immediately

Email Body Template (Copy/Paste)

Dear User,

Your Microsoft subscription has been flagged for suspicious activity.

To prevent service disruption, call our support team immediately:

📞 1-800-XXX-XXXX

Reference Case ID: MS-39482

Support Desk

What Employees Should Notice

• Phone number instead of link
• Pressure to call quickly
• Fake “case ID” legitimacy trick

Train your employees against these rising threats using Callback Phishing.

4. Deepfake Voice Follow-Up Template (New in 2026)

This simulation mimics an AI-generated voicemail from a senior executive, followed by a short email asking the employee to “confirm” or “continue” an urgent request.

Unlike traditional phishing emails, this scenario combines voice + email, exploiting trust in familiar voices and authority figures—one of the fastest-growing attack methods in 2026.

Attack Scenario Overview

Employees receive a voicemail that sounds like their CEO, CFO, or Director, created using AI voice cloning.

Minutes later, a short follow-up email arrives referencing the voicemail and requesting quick confirmation or action.

This multi-channel approach lowers suspicion and increases compliance.

Voicemail Script (AI-Generated Voice Example)

“Hi, this is [CEO Name]. I’m in back-to-back meetings and can’t talk right now.

I need you to quickly confirm the request I just sent by email.

This is time-sensitive — please take care of it before the end of the hour.”

[Ends abruptly]

Follow-Up Email Template (Copy / Paste)

Subject Line Example:

Following up on my voicemail – urgent

Email Body Template:

Hi [Employee Name],

Just left you a quick voicemail.

Please proceed with the request as discussed and confirm once done.

I’ll explain more later — timing is critical.

Thanks,

[CEO Name]

5. Smishing Template

Smishing—short for SMS phishing—uses text messages to lure employees into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information. These messages often appear to come from trusted services, urging users to reset passwords, verify accounts, or confirm payments.

One example from the Keepnet Smishing Simulator includes a fake COVID-19 vaccine verification message, prompting users to click a suspicious link. This type of lure preys on urgency and public health concerns—making it dangerously convincing.

This simulation trains employees to pause before acting on unexpected or urgent texts, especially those requesting credentials or personal data.

SMS Message Scenario

Bank Alert: Suspicious charge detected.

Confirm your account immediately:

http://secure-check-login.com

What Employees Should Notice

• Shortened suspicious link
• Urgency trigger
• Unexpected financial scare tactic

Strengthen your mobile threat defenses with the Smishing Simulator.

6. Fake Meeting Invitation Template

This simulation mimics calendar invites from platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet. These emails often prompt employees to click a link and log in to view meeting details—redirecting them to fake pages that steal credentials.

The example below from the Keepnet Phishing Simulator features a spoofed Google Calendar notification where a “director” proposes a new meeting time. It appears routine but subtly lures the user into clicking a malicious link disguised as legitimate event info.

As calendar invites are a routine part of daily work, these attacks often bypass suspicion. This template teaches employees to verify meeting details and links before entering any login information.

Subject Line Example

Updated Meeting Request – Action Needed

Email Body Template (Copy/Paste)

Hi [Employee Name],

You’ve been invited to a new meeting:

📅 Quarterly Strategy Review

⏰ Tomorrow at 10:00 AM

Please confirm attendance here:

[View Meeting Details]

Regards,

Google Calendar Team

What Employees Should Notice

• Routine calendar format reduces suspicion
• Link leads to credential harvest
• Unexpected invite from unknown organizer

Learn how to better secure your digital calendar with How Security Awareness Training Keeps Your Calendar Safe.

6. Urgent Password Reset Template

This simulation targets employees with emails impersonating popular services, pressuring them to reset their password immediately due to a supposed security issue. These messages rely on urgency and fear to prompt hasty action—making them one of the most effective phishing tactics.

The LinkedIn-themed scenario in the Keepnet Phishing Simulator presents a fake password reset notice, complete with a convincing link and a 24-hour expiration warning. It’s designed to make recipients feel vulnerable and rush to click without verifying the request.

This template trains employees to slow down, scrutinize such alerts, and confirm their legitimacy through official channels before taking any action.

Subject Line Example

Your Password Expires Today – Reset Now

Email Body Template (Copy/Paste)

Dear [Employee Name],

Your LinkedIn password will expire in 24 hours.

To avoid account suspension, reset it immediately using the secure link below:

Reset Password Now

Thank you,

LinkedIn Security Team

What Employees Should Notice

• Fake deadline urgency
• Brand impersonation
• Link-driven credential theft

8. HR Policy Update Template

This simulation targets employees with emails that appear to come from HR or payroll departments, asking them to review policy changes, complete surveys, or confirm benefits. Because these messages seem internal and routine, they're often trusted without question.

A typical example in the Keepnet Phishing Simulator is a fake healthcare benefits update email. It urges employees to complete a “required” questionnaire by a deadline—leveraging urgency, authority, and relevance to increase click-through rates.

This template helps employees stay cautious when responding to internal requests and encourages them to verify such messages through official HR channels.

Subject Line Example

Mandatory Benefits Update – Employee Action Required

Email Body Template (Copy/Paste)

Hello [Employee Name],

HR has issued an important update regarding healthcare benefits for 2026.

All employees must review and confirm changes by Friday.

Access the policy document here:

[Review Benefits Update]

Human Resources

What Employees Should Notice

• Authority + internal trust
• Deadline pressure
• Fake document link

8. Cloud Storage Access Request Template

This simulation targets users with emails claiming their cloud storage accounts—like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox—have been locked or compromised, prompting urgent action. These attacks play on fear of losing access to important data, pushing users to click without verifying legitimacy.

The Keepnet Phishing Simulator example features a fake Apple alert stating that an iCloud ID has been locked due to multiple failed login attempts. It urges the recipient to verify their account within 24 hours, using urgency to lure them into clicking a malicious link.

This template helps employees develop a habit of independently validating cloud-related alerts and reporting suspicious account access claims through trusted support channels—not reactive clicks.

Subject Line Example

iCloud Locked – Verify Within 24 Hours

Email Body Template (Copy/Paste)

Dear Customer,

Your Apple iCloud ID has been locked due to multiple failed login attempts.

To restore access, verify your account immediately:

Unlock My Account

Apple Support

What Employees Should Notice

• Fear of losing access
• Fake brand support
• Link to phishing login page

10. Payment Request Template

This simulation targets employees with emails requesting urgent payment updates, typically under the guise of failed transactions, overdue invoices, or suspended subscriptions. These attacks are crafted to trigger a quick reaction—especially from finance teams or subscription owners—without proper verification.

The Keepnet Phishing Simulator example mimics a failed payment alert for a ChatGPT subscription, prompting the user to click “Update Payment” to avoid service interruption. The realistic design and brand familiarity make it easy to overlook red flags.

Subject Line Example

Payment Failed – Update Billing Information

Email Body Template (Copy/Paste)

Hi [User Name],

Your ChatGPT subscription payment was unsuccessful.

To avoid service interruption, update your payment details now:

Update Payment Method

Billing Team

What Employees Should Notice

• Familiar SaaS brand lure
• Finance-related urgency
• Embedded payment phishing link

This template sharpens employees’ awareness around payment-related emails and reinforces the habit of verifying all financial requests through secure portals—not embedded email links.

11. Prize Giveaway Template

This simulation targets users with phishing emails that offer fake rewards—such as gift cards, contest entries, or prize money—to lure them into clicking malicious links or submitting personal data. These messages often appear during holiday seasons or promotional campaigns, making them seem timely and enticing.

The Keepnet Phishing Simulator example features a spoofed cybersecurity-themed giveaway offering a chance to win from a $100,000 prize pool. The message uses bold visuals, festive language, and a call-to-action button to trigger excitement and impulse clicks.

Subject Line Example

Congratulations – You’ve Been Selected!

Email Body Template (Copy/Paste)

Dear Winner,

To celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month, you’ve been entered into our $100,000 giveaway.

Claim your prize now by confirming your details below:

Claim Reward

Good luck,

Rewards Team

What Employees Should Notice

• Excitement + reward manipulation
• Unexpected giveaway
• Data-harvesting form trap

This template helps employees spot red flags in unexpected promotional emails and avoid engaging with suspicious giveaways, even when they appear professionally designed.

For more insight on how to protect your organization from giveaway-themed phishing attacks, explore the Keepnet article on Gamified Security Awareness Training to Stop 'Free Gift Card' Phishing Attack Examples.

Strengthen Your Cyber Defenses with Keepnet's Phishing Templates

Modern phishing attacks are evolving at an unprecedented rate, often circumventing technical defenses to exploit human trust. Organizations that rely solely on firewalls and filters are leaving their most valuable asset—their people—unprepared.

Proactive phishing simulations close this gap by training employees to detect sophisticated threats, such as AI-generated emails, deepfake vishing calls, QR code scams, and callback phishing attacks. Realistic practice builds instinctive responses, turning security awareness from a checkbox activity into a real, measurable defense layer.

By using realistic phishing simulation templates — including AI-driven scams, QR phishing, callback attacks, and deepfake impersonations — organizations can measurably reduce human risk in 2026.

Keepnet’s Phishing Simulator helps you deploy these templates safely, track behavior, and deliver adaptive microlearning when employees need it most.