Wondering about the difference between a hack, scam, and phishing? This quick guide explains each term in plain language so you can stay safer online.
Hack, Scam, Phishing: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters: Transcript
Hack versus scam versus phishing. These tech terms all sound similar, but they’re not the same. A hack is when someone breaks into your account or device without permission. A scam is when someone tricks you into giving away money or information. Phishing is a type of scam, usually an email or a text, that looks real but isn’t. So, hacked equals broken into, scammed equals tricked, fished equals fooled by a fake message. Know the difference. Stay safe online, and always give us a call if you’re worried.
A hack happens when someone breaks into your device or online account without your permission. For example, if a hacker figures out your email password and logs in to read your messages or change your settings, that’s a hack. You didn’t give them access — they found a way to sneak in.
A scam occurs when someone tricks you into disclosing personal information or parting with money. This typically involves some kind of story or fabricated scenario. Maybe someone calls pretending to be from tech support, or you see a pop-up warning that your computer has a virus — and they say they’ll fix it if you pay. That’s a scam.
Phishing (spelled with a “ph”) is a specific kind of scam that shows up in emails or text messages. The message might look like it’s from your bank, a store you shop at, or even a friend — but it’s fake. The goal is to get you to click a link, share a password, or download something harmful.
Here’s a simple way to remember it:
- A hack is when someone breaks in.
- A scam is when someone tricks you.
- Phishing is when a message tries to fool you.
Understanding the difference between a hack, scam, and phishing helps you stay alert. Trust your instincts — if it seems suspicious, it probably is. And if you’re ever unsure, just give us a call. We’re here to help.
If you have questions about this post, or our services in general, just call or email. We’re happy to assist you! Feel free to use our contact form to send us a message. Thank you!
See all of our SDM Tech Terms short videos on the SDM YouTube channel.
