We’ve all experienced scam emails. They are like the junk mail of the digital world. Scam emails clutter your inbox and can even pose a real threat if you’re not careful!
Some scam emails are just plain annoying, but others can be full of sneaky tricks that are easy to fall for.
The challenge with digital scam is that it’s always evolving to outsmart even the most cautious user. New tactics pop up all the time, so it’s important to pay close attention.
The good news is, spotting spam doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful.
Here is a quick guide to help you spot the red flags and stay on top of the sneaky scammers.
1. spelling and grammar mistakes
Scam emails often have a few obvious typos, awkward sentences, or poor grammar mistakes.
Legitimate companies usually proofread their emails before sending them out (though everyone makes a mistake now and then). If an email is filled with sloppy writing or obvious errors, it’s a major red flag that it could be a scam.
It’s best to double-check anything that looks off – legit companies want to make a good impression, so their emails will usually be polished and professional.
2. weird email addresses
If an email address looks strange, for example, [email protected], instead of a trusted company name…that’s a big warning sign.
Legitimate companies typically use their offical domain in email addresses and avoid unnecessary numbers or odd characters. If you notice an email from a strange or random-looking address, it’s a sign to be cautious.
Always stick to emails from sources you recognise and trust, If the address seems off, it’s safer to ignore or delete the message.
3. suspicious links or attachments
Never click on links or download attachments from unknown senders — it’s just not worth the risk.
Even if the email appears normal, take a second to hover over the link. This will show you the real URL, and if it doesn’t match what you expect or looks suspicious, stay away.
Scam emails often hide dangerous sites behind seemingly harmless links, so if anything feels off, don’t engage. Your caution could save you from phishing scams!
4. asking for personal information
If an email is asking for passwords, bank details, or any personal information, delete it right away!
Real companies will never request sensitive details like that over email, it’s a common tactic used by scammers to steal your information. Even if the email looks official, don’t trust it if it’s pushing for private data.
Instead, contact the company directly using a known and verified communication channel to double-check. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
5. too good to be true
“Congratulations, you’ve won a million dollars!” or “Get a brand new iPhone for FREE!”— If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
These types of offers are classic red flags for scams. Scammers often use high-value rewards or impossible deals to grab your attention and create a sense of urgency or excitement. They might promise unrealistic prizes or gifts in an attempt to lure you into providing personal information or making payments upfront.
These scam emails are often paired with lots of CAPITAL LETTERS and exclamation marks !!!!!!
6. unnecessary urgency
Unnecessary urgency is a common tactic used by scammers to pressure individuals into making quick decisions without fully considering the consequences.
If you’re told that you have a limited time to respond, whether it’s for an offer, a supposed prize, or a request for personal information…it’s a major red flag.
Legitimate businesses or organizations rarely demand immediate action or impose time constraints in such a way.
Always take a step back, give yourself time to think, and carefully evaluate the situation before responding to any urgent request.
a few extra things to look out for...
Here are a few additional tips to help you spot scam emails:
- Unusual fonts or strange spacing in the text, which can indicate a lack of professionalism.
- “Undisclosed participants” in the greeting — this could mean the sender is trying to hide that they are also sending the email to thousands of other people!
- Emails from your bank or other trusted sources that don’t address you by your name, a sign it might not be from them.
- Hover over links before clicking to check if the destination matches what’s promised in the email.
- Mismatched domains—if the email appears to be from a reputable company but the domain name is off or slightly altered, it could be a scam.
If you think you may have been scammed, contact your IT support person or check out these trusted resources for help: Netsafe, Cert NZ or Have I Been Pwned?
Stay vigilant out there!
