“Deception works by imitation. Discernment works by familiarity with the truth.” -PhotonCo
"When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." John 10:4-5
Scams work because they imitate what’s familiar. You don’t spot a fake by studying every scam — you spot it by knowing the genuine original.
Modern phishing uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) doesn’t rely on bad grammar or obvious mistakes — it relies on familiarity. The strongest protection isn’t suspicion of everything, but clarity about what authentic communication actually looks like.
AI Scams & Phishing
“Professional doesn’t mean authentic anymore.”
“Urgency is a tactic, not a requirement.”
“Familiar names are often borrowed, not trusted.”
“AI makes scams sound right — not true.”
“Real companies don’t rush you into secrecy.”
“If it asks for a code, it isn’t legitimate.”
“Verification codes are for systems, not people.”
“When in doubt, don’t reply — verify elsewhere.”
“Scams don’t invent trust. They imitate it.”
“Good grammar is no longer a safety signal.”
“Pause is the most underrated security tool.”
“You spot fakes by knowing the real.”
“Authentic communication has patterns — learn them.”
“If everything feels urgent, something is wrong.”
“Clarity protects better than suspicion.”
Around Christmas Season
“Scams thrive when people are busy and generous.”
“Holiday calm starts with digital caution.”
“The season of giving still requires discernment.”
Simple Rules to Remember!
Slow down
Verify outside the message
Never share codes
Don’t trust urgency
Familiar doesn’t mean authentic
When in doubt, don’t click — go directly to the website yourself.
🔦Illuminate your IT!