What is an online scam where cybercriminals disguise themselves as a legitimate entity?

Phishing is a type of online scam where cybercriminals impersonate a legitimate organization or entity to deceive individuals into sharing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal identification details. This often involves sending emails or messages that appear to come from trusted sources, making it difficult for recipients to recognize that they are being targeted by fraudsters. Phishing attacks can exploit social engineering techniques to create a sense of urgency or fear, encouraging victims to act quickly without verifying the authenticity of the request. Understanding phishing is essential for individuals to protect themselves against these deceptive practices and to stay vigilant in identifying potential scams.