How To Spot A Phishing Email - Don't Fall For Their Scam
Phishing is an online scam where scammers will try and obtain information from unsuspecting people. They may try to obtain usernames, passwords, social security numbers, and credit card information by trying to appear as a legitimate company. Beware!
I don't know about you, but I've had my share of these emails. I just wanted to share a few tips on recognizing these phishing emails.
Phishing emails often offer a financial reward if you click a link or log in. If an email offers you what sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Most of us are curious, but this can get us into trouble. Scammers will take advantage of this by sending emails promising something exciting. Never open an unexpected or unusual attachment.
If an email provides a strick deadline for taking action, be careful. These scammers will try to fluster you by creating a sense of urgency.
Trying to scare you is also a common tactic. Be suspicious of emails that threaten you with negative consequences or punishment of some sort.
Don't click the links. Scammers will make the login link look legitimate to try and get you to click so they can steal your credentials. Be sure to roll your mouse pointer over the links to see if it matches what's in the email. If they don't, then don't click. If you have any doubts, don't click!
If the email signatures seem overly generic, this may be a sign that something may be wrong. Also, check the sender's address. If their address doesn't match the sender's name, this can be a red flag.
Bottom line: if the email appears strange, be alert. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Have a wonderful week
Mickey
Recent Comments
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I constantly receive weird and suspicious emails from various senders. In most cases, it's cryptocurrency scam sites. Many claim that with a little investment, I could make tens of thousands of dollars in a week (like you said, too good to be true). All of those sites are lacking contact and about info. Instant red flag for me. Thanks for sharing this, it will serve as a great guide!
Nikola
Thanks for sharing Nikola. That's another great point, no contact and about info should raise a red flag. Thanks, I appreciate your support.
Great points, Mickey!
Anytime you're suspicious about a PayPal link, forward the email to them.
I know this because I've received suspicious PayPal emails, before, and some werea REALLY good. Fortunately, I used the tips that Mickey mentioned in this post. I contacted PayPal and they instructed me to forward the email to them.
PayPal appreciates it when they're notified of phishing or other suspicious email representing PayPal.
Yes, I agree, some of those Paypal emails look like the real deal. Great idea to call and verify, as you said, they appreciate being notified.
Thanks, Rudy, I appreciate you stopping by and sharing.
Dear Mick,
Thank you for this really helpful reminder.
I would add, ensure you have a good antivirus and anti snooping software. I have just started using Bitdefender, found whilst giving feedback on WA. ITS BRILLIANT. Even takes a photo on my phone if somebody tries to access it and fails with the password!
Have a great day and week ahead. And keep safe from phishing and viruses !
Best Regards,
Trevor
Thanks, Trevor, that is great advice. I hadn't heard of Bitdefender, it sounds wonderful. Thanks again, have a great week.
I did receive several of these emails. One of them asked me to click a link to verify some kind of irregularity on my Paypal account. I am so glad somebody blogged about this a week before that email got into my inbox.
Thanks for sharing, Mickey. It pays to be aware of these scams.
Glad to hear that you were aware and didn't fall prey to that Paypal email. There are a lot of phony Paypal emails that go around.
Thanks for sharing.
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I feel fortunate that, so far, I haven't received too many suspicious emails. I always look at who sent it and often it's clear that it's not legitimate. I never open attachments. I recently received one claiming to be from PayPal. The good news is many companies have a fraud department where you can forward the email.
Thanks for sharing Elaine. I appreciate you stopping by and commenting.