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Feb 2, 2023 · Here are the key elements that will help you tell if an email is from a scammer: 1. The email comes from a generic domain (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) Generic email domains such as @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, @hotmail.com, and @outlook.com are cybercriminals' favorites for sending scam emails.
- Gaetano Dinardi
- Inspect the Email Header Info to Verify Whether the Sender’s Address is Legitimate. The first sign of a phishing email is that attackers pose as legitimate companies or people.
- Watch Out For Uncommon Uses of the Email Bcc Field. In some emails, you will find your email address listed in the Bcc field instead of the recipient lines.
- Check Whether Embedded Links Redirect to Unexpected Websites. Another characteristic of a fake email is unexpected redirect links. The embedded links given in the email must take you to the same web page as written in the link.
- Pay Attention: Don’t Ignore Unusual Spelling and Grammatical Errors. If an email contains many grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors, it’s a red flag.
- Look at the Sender’s Address. The display name in an email can be anything the sender chooses it to be, so just because an email pops into your inbox from ‘Netflix’ doesn’t always mean that’s the case.
- Check For Strange Uses of the Bcc Field. If you find your address in the blind carbon copy (Bcc) box instead of the recipient box, it’s a red flag that something is wrong.
- Is the Email Asking for Personal Details? If an email is asking you to update personal details like your Social Security number (SSN), bank account numbers, your date of birth, or answers to security questions, you’re probably looking at a scammer.
- Investigate Unexpected Embedded Links. Another characteristic of a fake email is unexpected, embedded links. Scammers will embed links in text that will appear to take you to a genuine website.
- Check the “From” Address. Often you'll find that fake emails that have a similar-looking “from” address to the original email addresses. Take the example of Apple.
- Check the “Reply To” Address. When you receive an email from someone, you typically reply to the same email address, unless otherwise instructed. When scammers send fake emails using someone else's email addresses, they don't have access to the victims' email accounts whose name they use.
- Check Email Headers. There are three major email security technologies used– SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. These technologies help the recipients of the emails check whether it is really from the recipient, or a scammer instead.
- Alarming Subject Line. Cybercriminals use social engineering, which is just targeted manipulation to convince a person (or organization) to reveal sensitive information.
- Suspicious Domain Name. The cybercriminals will also try to ensure the email looks legitimate. For example, they may use the name, logo, and email design of a reputable company.
- Greeting is Generic or Too Personalized. Some phishing emails will start with a generic greeting. For instance, they may greet you with "Dear Customer," "Dear [Service] User," "To Whom It May Concern," "Dear [username on email address]," or simply "Greetings."
- Grammar and Spelling Mistakes. When a legitimate company sends an email, it will ensure it has correct grammar and spelling. A phishing email, on the other hand, may have obvious errors.
Feb 8, 2021 · Scam emails often look real; they’re personalized and can be quite convincing. A single click can quickly wreak havoc. SEE: Identity theft protection policy (TechRepublic Premium)
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Aug 26, 2024 · Here are some simple steps you can take to check if an email or message is authentic or the work of some crafty scammers. On this page: A cautionary tale: Afterpay scam. 1. Be sceptical and trust your gut. 2. Contact them directly. 3.
