Explain · Like I'm five version
Phishing in terms of a fake parcel text
Did you know that phishing is just like when someone sends you a sneaky text about a fake parcel delivery?
Imagine your front door is a little letterbox that stays shut tight to keep your toys safe. Phishing is like a trickster who sends a message saying they have a big box for you, but they need you to pay a tiny fee or click a link to unlock the door. The trickster is actually trying to sneak into your house to borrow your favourite things when you are not looking. They pretend to be the postman, but their uniform is made of itchy paper and they do not have a real van.
They use this trick because they want to steal your secret codes, just like someone trying to steal the key to your piggy bank. If you click the link, it is like opening your front door and inviting the trickster to come in for a cup of tea. They will look around for your password or your bank details while you are busy checking the porch for a box that was never coming. It is a very mean game of pretend.
You should always tell a grown-up if a text says your parcel is stuck, especially if you have not ordered any new games or snacks. Real postmen will never ask you to click a link to get your post delivered to your house. If you do not click the button, the trickster just stays outside in the rain and eventually goes home to bother someone else.
Where the analogy breaks downA real parcel text is usually sent to thousands of people at once, whereas a person at your door would have to be very busy to visit everyone in the country.