With reports of data breaches becoming more frequent, cybersecurity experts are warning that criminals are increasingly using fake breach notifications to deceive unsuspecting users.
What was once considered a rare occurrence has become almost routine. According to the figures cited in the report, 3,322 data breach incidents were recorded in the United States last year, affecting around 280 million people who received notification emails. In Europe, daily data breach incidents increased by 22% year-on-year in 2025, reaching an average of 443 cases per day.
The growing volume of legitimate breach alerts has created an opportunity for cybercriminals. Because many users now expect to receive such notifications, fraudulent emails are less likely to raise suspicion and are more likely to be trusted.
Cybersecurity specialist Phil Muncaster of security company ESET emphasized that while genuine data breaches occur every day and should not be ignored, users should avoid reacting automatically and instead verify whether a notification is authentic before taking any action.
How the Scams Work
Experts identify two common tactics used in fake breach notification campaigns.
In some cases, scammers exploit the publicity surrounding a real data breach by sending counterfeit notifications that appear related to the incident. Victims who are already expecting communication from an affected company may be more likely to believe the message.
In other cases, cybercriminals invent an entirely fictitious breach and create convincing emails that appear to originate from a trusted organization, a company’s IT department, or another legitimate source.
To make these messages more convincing, attackers increasingly rely on phishing kits and artificial intelligence tools. AI can generate highly realistic emails in the recipient’s language, closely imitating the tone, style and wording of genuine notifications. Fraudsters also frequently use company logos and branding elements to enhance credibility.
The ultimate goal is typically to persuade recipients to click on malicious links, open infected attachments, or disclose sensitive information such as passwords, financial details or personal data.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Cybersecurity experts say several red flags can help users identify fraudulent breach notifications.
One of the most common tactics is creating a sense of urgency, urging recipients to immediately change passwords or confirm personal information to avoid alleged risks.
Users should also carefully examine the sender’s email address for spelling mistakes or subtle alterations designed to mimic legitimate organizations. Poor grammar and spelling, while less common due to AI-generated content, can still indicate a scam.
Suspicious links and attachments remain another key warning sign. Many fake notifications direct users to phishing websites intended to harvest credentials or install malware on their devices.
A lack of personalized information can also be revealing. Genuine breach notifications often include limited account-specific details, such as part of an account number or a username. Fraudulent messages tend to remain vague and generic because attackers usually lack access to such information.
How to Verify a Breach Notification
Experts recommend verifying any breach notification directly through official channels rather than replying to the email or using contact information provided in the message itself.
Users should log into their account through the company’s official website or contact the organization using verified contact details to confirm whether a breach has actually occurred.
Additional services that monitor exposed personal information can also help users determine whether their data may have been compromised.
Steps to Strengthen Online Security
To reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing attacks, cybersecurity professionals recommend using strong and unique passwords for every account, preferably managed through a password manager. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of protection, making it more difficult for attackers to gain access even if passwords are compromised.
Reliable email security solutions can also help identify and block phishing attempts and malware before they reach users’ inboxes.
What to Do If You Have Already Been Targeted
Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to a phishing scam should act immediately.
Experts advise changing potentially exposed passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication on important accounts, and performing a full malware scan using trusted security software.
Users who may have shared banking or payment information should contact their financial institution without delay and closely monitor accounts for suspicious transactions. Reporting the incident to the relevant authorities is also recommended.
