What is phishing primarily associated with?

Phishing is primarily associated with fake emails that appear to come from trusted sources. The reason this is correct is that phishing involves the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in electronic communications. Attackers often craft emails that mimic legitimate organizations to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links or providing personal information.

While other options may involve scams, phishing is specifically characterized by this method of deceptive email communication that leverages familiarity and trust to manipulate individuals. The other options don't typically represent the core tactic of phishing; for example, phone calls and social media ads can involve different forms of fraud, but they do not encapsulate the hallmark strategy of using deceptive emails that impersonate recognized sources.