Before a scammer targets specific individuals with phishing emails, they may begin by sending out less sophisticated messages that ask for sensitive information. They will then use those details to craft personalized messages and choose their victims in this way. Phishing attacks are some of the most common and serious cyberattacks out there, and this is why. They are an effective way for scammers to obtain information about their targets.
The most important thing to do to keep yourself safe from phishing attacks is to know what to look for! Knowing how to recognize a phishing attack is a powerful ability that will mitigate the threat of a successful phishing attack on you. There are many articles that will teach you how to spot a phish, how to report one, and the different tactics that scammers use. Reading these will better prepare you to identify these attacks and protect yourself from falling victim.