[header] How to spot an email hoax or phishing scam [title] Know what phishing is. [step] Email hoaxes are often termed " phishing ". This term refers to the instances where the scammer sends out a mass email to every address he or she has managed to glean by whatever method. 
The hope is that at least a few people will be gullible enough within that mass emailing to respond--and send cash or personal details. [title] Know what phishing scammers are after.