What is the term for an email scam that tries to trick people into giving out personal information?

The term for an email scam that tries to trick people into giving out personal information is Phishing.

Let's break it down:

Phishing is a type of scam where cybercriminals pretend to be a trustworthy source, like a bank or a well-known company, usually by sending an email. In this email, they create a sense of urgency or importance, encouraging the recipient to click a link or open an attachment.

Once the recipient does that, they may be directed to a fake website that looks real. The victim is then tricked into entering personal information like passwords, credit card numbers, or other confidential details. The scammers then use this information for unauthorized transactions or identity theft.

Phishing is like bait used by scammers to 'fish' for personal information from unsuspecting individuals. This is why it's important to never click on links or download attachments from suspicious emails and to verify the source before providing personal information.