We’ve all received spam emails, but do you know just how many spam emails there are? On average, 162 billion spam emails are sent every single day – that means almost half of all emails are spam!
With our inboxes constantly being bombarded by emails, we’re bound to receive spam of all descriptions, including annoying phishing attempts.
Phishing emails are deceptive messages designed to trick those receiving them into giving away their sensitive information, like passwords or bank details.
Luckily, there are several red flags you can watch out for to avoid falling victim to phishing scams. Here are seven key indicators to help you spot a phishing email.
Sender’s email address
Take a closer look at who’s sending the email. Pay attention to misspellings or slight variations in the domain name, as these can be telltale signs of a phishing attempt. For example, an email claiming to be from “yourbank.com” might actually come from “yourbank.net” or “your-bank.com.” If something looks off, it probably is!
Urgent or threatening language
Phishing emails often try to scare you into taking action. If you see urgent messages claiming your account is in trouble or demanding immediate attention, take a deep breath and think twice before clicking anything.
Requests for money or personal information
Be cautious of emails asking for personal information like passwords or credit card details. Legitimate companies will never ask you to provide this information via email, especially without prior notification or a secure platform for verification. You can always verify these requests by contacting the company through their official channels.
Dodgy links and attachments
Watch out for strange-looking links or download attachments from sketchy emails. These can infect your computer with malware or lead you to fake websites designed to steal your information. Use the other tips in this list to make sure the email is legit before clicking on any links.
Generic greetings
Ever get a one-size-fits-all email that starts with something generic like “Dear Customer”? It feels like getting a blank birthday card! Legit emails usually already know your name or something about you, so keep an eye out for those personal touches.
Poor spelling and grammar
Phishing scammers are often terrible at spelling and grammar. Look out for typos, awkward sentences, or just plain weird language, especially if it reads like a bad translation. Occasional errors might happen in legitimate emails, but a high frequency of mistakes is a definite red flag.
Mismatched URLs
Be wary of URLs that don’t match the content of the email or lead to suspicious-looking websites. The URL might be embedded within authentic-looking text, or a URL shortener may have been used to hide its destination. Hover your mouse over links (without clicking) to preview the URL and ensure it matches up with where the email is claiming.
By looking out for these red flags, you can make sure your sensitive information stays out of the hands of cyber criminals. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and verify an email through alternate channels before taking any action. Combine this with taking proactive steps to secure your online accounts, and any phishing risks will soon be a thing of the past.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to boost your cyber security and how it can benefit your business, contact us today to speak with one of our experts.