Phishing is a word that sounds just like " fishing " . If you want to catch a fish , you put some bait on a hook and you try to get a fish to bite . Phishing is the same idea , but the person uses a fake e - mail or website instead and tries to get you to fill in your personal information and password . You might get an e - mail that says it's from a bank or a credit card company . They often say something like . " There are some problems with your account and we need you to re - enter your password and your account number right away .