What is the primary goal of a phishing scam?

What is the primary goal of a phishing scam?

• A. To sell products online
• B. To gain personal information by deception
• C. To advertise for financial institutions
• D. To promote security awareness

Answer: (B)

The primary goal of a phishing scam is to gain personal information by deception. Phishing scams typically involve tricking individuals into providing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal details. This is usually accomplished through fraudulent emails, messages, or websites that appear to be from legitimate sources. The intention is to exploit the trust of the victim, leading them to believe they are interacting with a trustworthy entity, thus allowing the scammer to acquire data that can be used for identity theft or financial fraud. Selling products online, advertising for financial institutions, or promoting security awareness do not align with the fundamental nature of phishing, which focuses on deception for the purpose of obtaining sensitive information. The techniques used in phishing are specifically designed to manipulate and mislead individuals, making option referring to gaining personal information the most accurate choice.

The primary goal of a phishing scam is to gain personal information by deception. Phishing scams typically involve tricking individuals into providing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal details. This is usually accomplished through fraudulent emails, messages, or websites that appear to be from legitimate sources. The intention is to exploit the trust of the victim, leading them to believe they are interacting with a trustworthy entity, thus allowing the scammer to acquire data that can be used for identity theft or financial fraud.

Selling products online, advertising for financial institutions, or promoting security awareness do not align with the fundamental nature of phishing, which focuses on deception for the purpose of obtaining sensitive information. The techniques used in phishing are specifically designed to manipulate and mislead individuals, making option referring to gaining personal information the most accurate choice.