Most Common Phishing Email Examples - Phishing Types

Protect your business from phishing threats with this in-depth guide to see the most common phishing email examples. Learn various phishing forms and apply effective strategies to avoid phishing scam examples in 2025 and protect your organization.

2024-01-18

Most Common Phishing Email Examples - Keepnet

Understanding 2025 common phishing email examples is important as phishing tactics grow increasingly sophisticated, posing severe risks to both individuals and businesses.

Attackers are exploiting trusted brands and emerging technologies to deceive users into revealing sensitive information. The most common examples of phishing emails are not mere annoyances; they represent a significant threat, often leading to financial losses, data breaches, and reputational harm for organizations.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the phishing email examples most frequently used by scammers today and share actionable strategies to help you identify and avoid these threats.

Here’s a list of the most common phishing email examples to be aware of:

1-Google Docs Scam

Using this phishing type, attackers send an email claiming a Google Doc is shared with you, complete with a link. The link redirects to a fake Google login page where, if you enter your credentials, scammers steal your login details.

Picture 1: Phishing Scenario Example - Google Docs Permissions Request

2-Account Verification Scam

In this phishing scam example, emails pretending to be from well-known brands urgently ask you to verify your account details to “keep your account secure.” The link provided usually leads to a fake login page designed to capture your login credentials.

Picture 2: Phishing Scenario Template - Outlook Verification Scam

Microsoft email scams are especially common, with attackers posing as Microsoft, asking users to confirm account information or make security updates.

3-CEO Fraud

Also known as Business Email Compromise (BEC), in this phishing form, emails pretends to be from well-known brands urgently ask you to verify your account details to “keep your account secure.” The link provided usually leads to a fake login page designed to capture your login credentials. Tactic involves attackers posing as a company executive, such as a CEO or CFO.

Picture 3: Phishing Scenario Example - CEO Fraud

This the most common examples of phishing email urgently instructs employees to transfer funds or share sensitive information, often emphasizing confidentiality or time-sensitivity to prevent verification. This creates a sense of pressure and authority, making employees less likely to question the request.

4-Tax Refund Scam

This common phishing email form targets individuals during tax season. Attackers pose as tax authorities, claiming a refund is due and requesting personal information. The email often appears authentic, complete with logos and legal jargon.

Picture 4: Phishing Scenario Example - Tax Refund Scam

5-PayPal Scam

In this scam example, emails claiming to be from PayPal warn of “suspicious activity” on your account or say that your account has been frozen. The message urges you to log in and “verify” your account to restore access. However, the link leads to a fake PayPal login page designed to capture your credentials.

Picture 5: Phishing Scenario Example - PayPal Scam

Protect your accounts by training employees to recognize phishing emails.

6-Dropbox Scam

In this phishing type, an email appears to be from Dropbox, notifying users that a file has been shared with them. The message includes a link to “view the file,” but clicking it leads to a fake Dropbox login page. If users enter their credentials, scammers capture their login information.

Picture 6: Phishing Scenario Example - Dropbox Email Verification Scam

7-Suspicious Activity Alert

This phishing email example informs you of “suspicious activity” on your account, often mimicking banks or online payment platforms. The email pushes you to “verify” recent transactions, providing a link that leads to a phishing website.

8-Advanced Fee Scam

Sometimes known as a "Nigerian Prince scam," the advanced fee scam promises recipients a large sum of money in exchange for paying small upfront fees. These phishing emails exploit people’s hopes for quick financial gain.

Picture 7: Phishing Scenario Example - Nigerian Prince Scam Email

9-The Fake Invoice Scam

Fake invoice phishing email forms target businesses by impersonating a legitimate vendor and requesting urgent payment. These email phishing scams often contain fake invoices that, if paid, funnel funds directly to cybercriminals.

To learn more about avoiding phishing attacks, explore how to recognize phishing emails here.

Picture 8: Phishing Scenario Example - Fake Invoice Scam

10-Requests for Personal Information

These phishing forms attempt to gather sensitive information—such as login credentials, Social Security numbers, or bank details—by posing as messages from trusted organizations. They often look like legitimate requests from banks, government agencies, or well-known companies to make recipients feel safe sharing their information.

Picture 9: Phishing Scenario Example - Requests for Personal Information

11-Banking Alert Scam

A banking alert phishing scam warns recipients of unauthorized account activity. These real phishing email methods direct recipients to a fraudulent website to “verify” their banking information, leading to potential identity theft.

Picture 10: Phishing Scenario Example- Citibank Suspicious Activity Scam

Protect Your Employees Against the Most Common Examples of Phishing Emails

Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform provides a comprehensive platform designed to address the most common examples of phishing emails:

Phishing Simulator

At Keepnet, our Phishing Simulator immerses employees in realistic attack scenarios, enabling them to quickly recognize and effectively respond to phishing attempts before any damage can be done.

Drawing on a vast library of over 15,000+ phishing examples, we deliver highly engaging and dynamic phishing tests that closely mirrors real-world threats. By doing so, we help foster a security-conscious culture across every level of your organization.

Our next-gen, AI-integrated platform is designed to be both multi-support and effortless to use, allowing administrators to rapidly roll out tailored campaigns via email, SMS, or other preferred channels.

This seamless setup ensures no interruption to your team’s daily workflow, while in-depth analytics provide clear visibility into performance and areas needing improvement. Whether it’s testing basic recognition skills or running advanced social engineering simulations, Keepnet’s Phishing Simulator equips your workforce with the skills they need to safeguard your organization against evolving cyber threats.

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Security Awareness Training

At Keepnet, we deliver cutting-edge security awareness training specifically designed to empower employees against ever-evolving cyber threats. Our platform seamlessly integrates with a variety of delivery methods—including SMS notifications, direct integration with existing LMS solutions, and compliance-focused modules—ensuring that each organization can easily reach its workforce wherever they are.

With an average 95% training completion rate, we take pride in providing a proven solution that fosters a genuinely security-aware culture across all levels of an enterprise.

Beyond our comprehensive training modules, we incorporate an effective Behavior Change Model that reinforces positive security habits and helps employees retain critical knowledge over the long term.

Our AI-powered approach provides in-depth analytics, allowing administrators to tailor training initiatives based on performance data and user feedback. By continuously updating our content to counter the latest phishing tactics, and offering flexible localization options to serve diverse teams around the globe, Keepnet is committed to guiding organizations toward a safer and more resilient security posture.

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Incident Response Tools

At Keepnet, our Incident Response Platform unify every stage of threat detection and mitigation into a single, streamlined interface. The embedded Phishing Reporter empowers employees to quickly flag suspicious emails for in-depth, automated analysis.

Our Incident Analysis engine then rapidly categorizes and prioritizes threats, helping security teams focus on the highest-risk issues first. Paired with a clear, real-time ROI Summary, organizations can easily quantify the tangible benefits, from hours saved to the financial impact avoided.

Beyond initial triage, our Investigations module offers both automated and manual paths to resolution, enabling teams to adapt workflows to the complexity of each incident.

Granular dashboards provide complete visibility—from the moment a user reports a suspicious email, through analysis and final remediation—ensuring critical details never fall through the cracks. With Keepnet’s Incident Response Tools, you can swiftly contain threats and confidently validate security measures, all while substantially reducing the time and resources required to keep your organization safe.

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Discover how Keepnet Human Risk Management Solution and advanced anti-phishing products can strengthen your organization’s defenses against these common threats. Start a free trial today to explore our phishing protection tools firsthand and boost your security awareness programs.

Check out the YouTube video below and learn how to spot the most common phishing examples of 2025 before they catch you off guard!

Futher Reading on Phishing Examples

Check out our following blogs to get more details on common phishing examples:

6 Shocking Advanced Phishing Attack Examples in 2025: Phishing attacks in 2025 have evolved into highly deceptive, AI-driven campaigns that bypass traditional security tools. From deepfake voice calls to dynamic QR code phishing, attackers are exploiting trust at scale. Discover six jaw-dropping advanced phishing examples and learn how to defend your organization from the next generation of phishing threats.
Phishing Examples by Emotional Triggers: How Scammers Exploit Human Emotions: Modern phishing attacks succeed not because of technology—but because they target human emotions. Scammers exploit feelings like fear, urgency, greed, trust, curiosity and guilt to make victims act before thinking. These psychological triggers bypass rational decision-making and dramatically increase the success rate of phishing emails, SMS messages, and voice calls. In this guide, you'll explore real-world phishing examples tied to emotional manipulation, from fake password resets and urgent account alerts to too-good-to-be-true offers and guilt-driven charity scams. You’ll also discover how Keepnet’s AI-powered phishing simulations and behavior-based training help employees recognize emotional manipulation and respond safely.
10 Real-Life Callback Phishing Examples and How to Protect Your Business: Callback phishing tricks victims into calling fake customer support numbers that lead to credential theft or malware installation. These attacks are harder to detect because they often involve phone-based deception, not just email. See 10 real callback phishing attack examples and practical steps to protect your IT help desk and employees.
10 Examples of Spear Phishing Attacks: Spear phishing targets specific individuals—often executives or finance staff—using personalized and convincing messages. These attacks mimic trusted vendors, CEOs, or coworkers to trick victims into approving payments or sharing sensitive data. Uncover 10 real spear phishing examples that show how dangerous and costly these attacks can be.
10 Real-Life Quishing Attack Examples to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity: Quishing, or QR code phishing, is on the rise as users scan malicious codes that lead to fake websites or credential theft. Attackers embed these codes in emails, posters, or even meeting invites. Learn from 10 real-world quishing examples to train employees and secure your physical and digital spaces.
10 Real-Life Smishing Examples to Strengthen Cybersecurity Awareness: Smishing attacks use text messages to deliver phishing links or impersonate trusted brands and authorities. These messages often create a sense of urgency—like package delivery issues or bank alerts—to prompt a quick response. Explore 10 smishing examples and learn how mobile-focused awareness can reduce risk.
What Are Vishing Statistics in 2025? What Are Real-life Vishing Examples? Vishing, or voice phishing, has surged in 2025 with attackers using AI-generated voices and spoofed numbers to gain trust. Statistics show significant increases in IT help desk fraud and password reset scams over the phone. Review the latest vishing examples and real call scenarios to prepare your team for audio-based deception.

Editor's note: This article was updated on May 27, 2025.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which phishing email examples illustrate how “Fake Invoice” scams deceive even cautious recipients?

Among the most prevalent phishing email examples, “Fake Invoice” scams leverage stolen or publicly available data (e.g., real client names or pending payments). Because they mimic genuine accounting procedures, employees sometimes rush payment without verifying. Keepnet runs realistic invoice-themed simulations to help users identify and report these phishing examples in real time.

What phishing examples show why “Delivery Status” or “Shipping Confirmation” emails remain so widespread?

A top set of phishing email examples revolves around e-commerce, where attackers send bogus package arrivals or shipping confirmations. Recipients often click “confirm details” links, which lead to malicious sites. Keepnet’s threat intelligence pinpoints known scam domains, and its phishing simulator replicates these phishing examples so employees learn to scrutinize unexpected delivery claims.

How do phishing email examples like “Urgent Boss Requests” bypass employees’ judgment?

“Urgent Boss Requests” are compelling phishing examples because attackers impersonate executives, creating high-pressure scenarios for immediate action—like wire transfers. Keepnet’s awareness training includes these phishing email examples and shows employees how to verify such messages through independent channels before complying.

Which phishing email examples reveal how “Account Verification” attacks appear authentic enough to trick users?

“Account Verification” scams are classic phishing email examples in which attackers clone official login pages, claiming urgent password resets. Because these counterfeit pages mirror real corporate branding, users often enter their credentials. Keepnet’s domain and link scanning features detect known malicious URLs, highlighting these phishing examples for employees to avoid.

How do phishing email examples targeting “Tax Season” endanger finance staff most?

Among phishing examples, tax-related emails exploit the stress around deadlines. Attackers pose as “tax authorities,” urgently requesting sensitive documents or payments. Because finance teams handle confidential data regularly, they’re prime targets. Keepnet counters such phishing email examples by conducting seasonal simulations and offering role-based modules for finance employees.

Which phishing examples are emerging with “COVID or Pandemic-Related” themes?

Pandemic-themed phishing email examples now include deepfake HR memos or vaccine policy updates. Attackers exploit fear and confusion to prompt clicks or downloads. Keepnet’s training library continually updates to include these phishing examples, showing employees how to spot suspicious attachments and links in crisis-related emails.

Do “Promotion or Discount Code” phishing email examples still pose a serious risk?

Yes. Offering freebies or “limited-time offers” remains one of the most effective phishing examples, prompting impulsive clicks to malicious websites. Keepnet’s simulation tool recreates these discount-oriented phishing email examples so employees learn to verify URLs and curb impulsive actions triggered by FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).

How do “Shared Document” phishing email examples slip past normal security defenses?

Attackers impersonate trusted file-sharing platforms (e.g., Google Drive), inviting recipients to “view” or “edit” documents. These phishing email examples redirect to counterfeit login pages that harvest credentials. Keepnet’s real-time analysis identifies suspicious file-sharing requests, and the platform educates users to verify the sender’s identity for all phishing examples like these.

What phishing examples demonstrate why “Social Media Account Lockout” emails are on the rise, and who’s at risk?

“Social Media Account Lockout” warnings are potent phishing email examples often aimed at marketing teams or social media managers. Attackers claim an account is suspended, prompting a malicious link click. Keepnet includes these phishing examples in simulation exercises, ensuring staff in brand-facing roles can recognize scams disguised as urgent platform notices.

How do “Reward Survey” phishing email examples exploit employees’ curiosity?

Reward Survey scams are phishing email examples where attackers promise gift cards or special coupons in exchange for completing a quick survey. The survey links often lead to malicious sites harvesting personal details, like email passwords or company credentials. Keepnet simulates these scenarios by sending realistic survey-style phishing emails, then provides immediate feedback if employees click. This helps build a reflex to verify unexpected “rewards” before taking action.

Are “Micro-Donation” phishing email examples on the rise, and how do they trap unsuspecting users?

Micro-Donation requests are emerging phishing types where scammers pose as small charities or disaster-relief funds, asking for a tiny contribution. Because the requested amount seems trivial, employees may donate without scrutinizing the legitimacy of the link. Keepnet’s awareness training includes these low-stakes phishing email examples, emphasizing the need to verify any charitable organization—even if the sum requested is minimal.

Why are “Executive Travel Itinerary” phishing email examples especially dangerous for C-suite executives?

Travel Itinerary scams are phishing email examples that pretend to update or correct an executive’s flight or hotel details. Under time pressure, C-level targets might click to confirm changes, unknowingly exposing credentials or company travel data. Keepnet’s platform identifies suspicious travel-related attachments and domains, and it offers specialized whaling modules so executives recognize when an itinerary request is likely a scam.

Why does Keepnet excel at addressing these most common phishing email examples, and how does it ensure employee vigilance?

Keepnet’s approach is unique because it tailors phishing email examples and simulations to evolving scam trends—fake invoices, urgent requests, or cloud-sharing deception. The platform provides behavioral nudges, Protection Level Agreements to measure security improvements, and gamified elements like leaderboards. By continuously cycling in fresh phishing examples, Keepnet builds a proactive security culture that keeps employees vigilant.

What Are Some Unexpected Phishing Examples Hidden in Calendar Invites?

A sneaky phishing example involves calendar invites that auto-sync to your device, often impersonating platforms like Zoom. They lure victims to click a malicious link under the pretext of joining a meeting.

Can QR Code Scans Be Considered Modern Phishing Examples?

A rising phishing example is the use of QR codes that, when scanned, redirect to credential-harvesting websites. These are especially effective at events, cafes, or during public Wi-Fi access.

What Are the Most Overlooked Phishing Examples Targeting Students?

Students often fall for phishing examples involving fake scholarships, course enrollment links, or tech support impersonation. These scams exploit their lack of cyber-awareness and dependency on digital portals.

How Are ‘Voicemail Alerts’ Used as Phishing Examples in Corporate Environments?

One sophisticated phishing example includes fake voicemail notification emails that direct employees to enter login credentials on a cloned company portal.

Are There Phishing Examples That Abuse the ‘Unsubscribe’ Link?

Yes. A classic yet underused phishing example is a fake unsubscribe button in a spammy email, which redirects users to a page that confirms email activity or collects sensitive data.

What Are Phishing Examples Involving AI-Generated Emails?

AI is now used to craft phishing examples with highly convincing grammar and personalization. These emails mimic internal communication tone, especially in CEO fraud or invoice scams.

Can Deepfake Technology Be Used in Voice-Based Phishing Examples?

Absolutely. One of the most dangerous phishing examples today involves deepfake voice technology used in vishing attacks to impersonate senior executives and authorize fraudulent wire transfers.

What Are Phishing Examples That Use Collaboration Tools Like Google Docs or OneDrive?

An increasingly common phishing example involves fake notifications about shared documents. These mimic Google or Microsoft branding to trick users into giving away credentials.

What Phishing Examples Are Used to Exploit Multi-Factor Authentication?

A subtle phishing example is MFA fatigue, where attackers flood users with repeated login requests hoping they approve one out of annoyance or confusion.

How Do Phishing Examples Appear in Fake Job Recruitment Emails?

This phishing example targets job seekers by offering fake positions or interviews via email, directing them to phishing forms disguised as HR onboarding portals.