Email is one of the easiest ways for scammers to reach you. They send messages designed to look like they come from companies, banks, or people you trust — hoping you’ll click a link or share personal information before you realize something is wrong.
🎣 Phishing Emails
How it works: You receive an email that looks like it’s from your bank, Amazon, Netflix, PayPal, or another familiar company. It says there’s a problem with your account — a suspicious charge, a locked account, or a failed payment. It asks you to click a link and log in to fix the issue.
The truth: The link takes you to a fake website that looks identical to the real one. When you enter your username and password, the scammer captures them. They now have access to your real account.
What to do: Never click links in emails about account problems. Instead, open your browser and go directly to the company’s website by typing the address yourself, or use their official app.
📦 Fake Shipping Notifications
How it works: You get an email claiming a package couldn’t be delivered, or that you need to confirm delivery details. It looks like it’s from UPS, FedEx, USPS, or Amazon. There’s a link to “track your package” or “reschedule delivery.”
The truth: The link leads to a fake site that either installs harmful software on your computer or asks for personal information and payment details.
What to do: If you’re expecting a package, go directly to the shipping company’s website and enter your tracking number there. Don’t click links in the email.
🏦 Bank and Financial Alerts
How it works: An email appears to come from your bank or credit card company warning about suspicious activity, a frozen account, or a required security update. It urges you to click a link immediately to verify your identity.
The truth: Your bank may send legitimate alerts, but they will never ask you to enter your full password, Social Security number, or PIN through an email link.
What to do: Call the phone number on the back of your bank card or statement. Do not use any phone number or link provided in the email.
💰 The Unexpected Inheritance or Payment
How it works: An email informs you that you’ve inherited money from a distant relative, won an international lottery, or are owed a refund. To claim the funds, you need to provide your bank details or pay a small processing fee.
The truth: There is no inheritance, lottery, or refund. Once you share bank details or send a “fee,” your money — and possibly your identity — is gone.
What to do: Delete the email. You will never receive a legitimate fortune from a stranger via email.
👤 Emails From Someone You Know
How it works: You receive an email that appears to come from a friend, family member, or coworker. They say they’re in trouble and need money, or they share a link and say “check this out.” The tone may feel slightly off.
The truth: The sender’s email account was hacked, or the scammer created an address that looks almost identical to the real one — sometimes off by just one letter.
What to do: Don’t click any links or send money. Contact the person by phone or text to ask if they actually sent the email. Check the sender’s email address carefully — look for small misspellings.
How to Spot a Scam Email
- Check the sender’s address carefully. It may say “Amazon” in the name but the actual address could be something like service@amaz0n-alerts.com.
- Look for urgency and threats. “Your account will be closed in 24 hours” is a pressure tactic, not a real warning.
- Watch for generic greetings. “Dear Customer” or “Dear User” instead of your actual name is a red flag.
- Hover before you click. On a computer, hold your mouse over a link (don’t click) to see where it actually goes. If the address looks strange, don’t click it.
- Look for spelling and grammar mistakes. Many scam emails contain odd phrasing, typos, or awkward language.
- When in doubt, don’t click. Go directly to the company’s website by typing the address in your browser yourself.