6 Signs an Email Could Be a Scam

TRY THIS NOW  Quick action: If a message worries you, close it and open the company’s official app or type its web address yourself. Never use contact details supplied by a suspicious sender.

Scam emails are becoming more convincing. Some copy the colors, logos, and writing style of real companies, which makes them difficult to recognize at first glance. Fortunately, most suspicious messages still contain warning signs.

Here are six things to check before you click a link or share information.

1. The message creates panic

Scammers often claim that your account will be closed, a payment has failed, or someone has accessed your profile. Their goal is to make you react quickly. Pause and check the claim through the company’s official app or website instead of using the email link.

2. The sender address looks unusual

A display name can say “Customer Support” even when the real email address has nothing to do with the company. Check the full sender address carefully. Watch for extra letters, misspelled words, or strange domains.

3. It asks for sensitive information

Be cautious if an email asks for your password, verification code, card number, or identity document. Legitimate organizations generally do not ask you to send sensitive details by ordinary email.

4. The offer seems too good to be true

Unexpected prizes, refunds, jobs, and investment opportunities should be treated carefully. If you never entered a competition, you probably did not win it. Research the offer independently before responding.

5. The link goes somewhere unexpected

On a computer, place your pointer over a link without clicking it to preview the destination. On a phone, you may be able to press and hold the link. If the address looks unrelated or misspelled, do not open it.

6. The attachment was not expected

Unknown attachments can contain harmful software. Even if the message appears to come from someone you know, confirm with that person through another method if the file seems unusual.

If you receive a suspicious email, do not reply, click, or download anything. Report it as spam or phishing, then delete it. A few seconds of checking can protect your accounts and personal information.

Trusted resources

·        FTC: How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams

·        CISA: Recognize and Report Phishing

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