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
Helpful
reminder: Menus and features can vary by device, software version, country, and
service provider. Use the official support page for your own product when steps
differ.
