Email Scams - How To Spot Them

Email scams are a common method used by cybercriminals to steal personal information, money, or spread malware. These scams can be highly convincing and may appear to come from trusted sources. By learning how to recognize the warning signs of email scams, you can better protect yourself and your information. Staying vigilant and practicing good email security is key to avoiding these threats.

Check the sender’s email address:

One of the easiest ways to spot an email scam is by examining the sender’s email address. While a scam email may appear to come from a legitimate source, the email address often contains subtle variations. For instance, a scam email claiming to be from your bank might have an address like “support@bank-secure.com” instead of the official “support@bank.com”. Always verify the sender’s email address before trusting the content.

Look for generic greetings:

Legitimate companies usually address their customers by name in emails, especially if they are requesting personal information. Scam emails, instead, often use generic greetings such as “Dear Customer” or “Dear User”. If an email fails to address you by your name or uses vague language, it’s a red flag.

Examine the subject line:

Scam emails often use urgent or alarming subject lines to prompt immediate action. For example, “Your account has been compromised!” or “Immediate action required: Security breach!” These subject lines are designed to evoke panic and trick you into acting quickly without thinking. Be wary of emails that pressure you to take immediate action or promise rewards for clicking a link.

Avoid suspicious links and attachments:

Phishing emails often contain links or attachments that lead to malicious websites or download harmful files. Before clicking on any link, hovers your mouse over it to see the URL. If the link doesn’t match the official website of the organisation or looks suspicious, don’t click it. Similarly, avoid downloading attachments from unknown senders, as they may contain malware.

Check for poor grammar and spelling mistakes:

While legitimate companies may occasionally make typos, scam emails are often riddled with spelling errors, awkward phrasing, and poor grammar. Pay attention to these signs as they can indicate a scam. A reputable organization will take the time to ensure that their communications are professional and error-free.