Fraud & Social-Engineering Glossary
Plain-language definitions of the phishing, impersonation, and social-engineering techniques DefenceNet is built to detect — each with the warning signs to watch for and how real-time detection addresses it.
Phishing
Phishing is a social-engineering attack that uses fake messages or websites to trick people into handing over credentials or payment details.
Read definitionSmishing (SMS Phishing)
Smishing is phishing conducted over SMS or messaging apps — a fake text urging a click, often impersonating a bank, courier, or government agency.
Read definitionQuishing (QR Code Phishing)
Quishing is phishing delivered through a malicious QR code — scanning it opens a fake login or payment page instead of the destination the victim expects.
Read definitionBusiness Email Compromise (BEC)
Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a scam where an attacker impersonates an executive or vendor by email to redirect a payment or steal credentials.
Read definitionBrand Impersonation
Brand impersonation is the use of a trusted company’s name, logo, or domain pattern to make a fraudulent website, email, or message look legitimate.
Read definitionSocial Engineering
Social engineering is manipulating human trust to get someone to click a link, share credentials, or send a payment — the layer behind most scams.
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