Phishing: How to Identify and What to Know

The more we rely on the internet for our daily operations, the more cybercriminals look for ways to exploit that trust. Through phishing, sensitive data can be compromised in seconds. In 2026, this is especially risky because attackers now use AI to make their "fake" emails look more real than ever.

In this post, I’ll discuss how to spot these high-tech scams and the best practices to keep your Constant Contact account secure.

How Can I Identify a Phishing Email?

Phishing attacks are constantly evolving, but there are a few key red flags to watch for in your inbox today:

• The "Hover Test": Even if a link looks legitimate, hover your mouse over it (without clicking!) to see the actual destination URL. If the address looks like a string of random characters or a domain you don’t recognize, steer clear.

• Hyper-Personalization: Be wary of emails that reference specific projects or events mentioned on your social media but feel "off." AI can scrape this data to make a scam feel like a personal message from a colleague.

• Requests for One-Time Codes: Constant Contact will never ask you for your MFA verification code or your password via email or over the phone. If an email claims you need to "verify your identity" by sending back a code, it is a scam.

• Inconsistent "From" Addresses: Check the sender’s domain. If you get an email from "Constant Contact Support" but the address ends in @gmail.com or @security-cc.net, it’s a fake. Official CC emails will always come from a constantcontact.com domain.

• The 24-Hour Scare Tactic: Scammers love to create a false sense of urgency. Watch out for phrases like "Your account will be deleted in 24 hours" or "Immediate action required to avoid penalties."

What Should I Do if I Receive a Phishing Message?

Your next steps depend on how you interacted with the email:

I Got the Email, But I Didn’t Click Anything:

• Great! Do not delete it yet. First, forward the suspicious email to [email protected] so our security team can investigate. Once you've sent it, you can safely delete or report it as spam in your inbox.

I Clicked a Link, But Didn’t Enter Information:

• Don't Panic. While you’re likely okay, modern "drive-by" sites can sometimes attempt to install malware. Run a security scan on your device and ensure your browser is up to date. If it was a work computer, let your IT team know so they can check for any unusual network activity.

I Provided Information or a Verification Code:

• Act Fast. Immediately update your Constant Contact password and reset your MFA factors.

• If you provided financial details, contact your bank immediately to freeze your cards.

• Email [email protected] to let our team know your account may have been compromised so we can help you secure it.

A good rule of thumb for 2026: If an email makes you feel pressured or uncomfortable, stop. Don't click. Instead, log in to your account by typing the URL directly into your browser or use a verified phone number to call the organization directly.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect the latest Constant Contact features.