Phishing is a type of SCAM and cybercrime in which criminals use deceptive emails, websites, and other online methods to steal personal information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and bank account details. It is one of the most common forms of cybercrime and is often used to gain access to sensitive data or financial accounts. The term 'phishing' comes from the analogy of fishing for information, as criminals cast out a wide net in hopes of catching unsuspecting victims.