How To Spot Phishing Emails Before You Click

With basic knowledge, you can quickly spot phishing attempts, including fake emails or messages

Phishing emails are usually employed by cybercriminals to deceive you into clicking harmful links or downloading malicious files via email, social media, or direct messages. Instead of directly attacking your system, they manipulate you into actions that jeopardize your security. If you succumb to a phishing attempt, you could expose your personal information, including passwords and credit card details. This could also result in cybercriminals installing malware on your device.

With basic knowledge, you can quickly spot phishing attempts, including fake emails or messages aimed at deceiving you into sharing specific information. By recognizing typical indicators of these scams, such as dubious sender addresses or urgent requests for sensitive information, you can successfully safeguard yourself against becoming a victim. The frequency of phishing attempts is increasing, with estimates suggesting that around 3.4 billion phishing emails are dispatched every day.

Understanding the Characteristics of a Phishing Email

Scammers often disguise phishing emails as messages from trusted organizations or individuals. However, there are several telltale signs that can reveal their true nature. Here is what to watch for:

1. **Too Good to Be True Offers**: Be cautious of messages that promise free money, luxury items, or exclusive deals that seem unrealistic. This is a significant red flag! Additionally, if you receive an email claiming you won a contest that you do not remember entering, be suspicious.

2. **Urgent or Threatening Language**: Watch for phrases like "Your account will be deleted!" or "Act now!" These are designed to create panic. Some emails may even state that your computer has been hacked or that you are under arrest.

3. **Requests for Personal Information**: Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive details, such as passwords, via email.

4. **Unexpected Business Requests**: If you receive a sudden demand for payment or confidential information, or an invoice you do not recognize, take a moment to question its legitimacy.

5. **Mismatched Sender Addresses**: Always inspect the sender's email address for odd domains or slight typos before opening emails that contain sensitive information or financial requests.

6. **Suspicious Hyperlinks or Attachments**: Hover over links to determine their destination. If they appear suspicious (like pavpal.com instead of paypal.com), do not click on them. Avoid downloading attachments from unknown senders. Even if you know the sender, ensure that your email's antivirus scans the attachment beforehand.

Data source: Check Point Research.

7. **Poorly Written Content**: Look out for poor grammar, awkward phrasing, or misspelling professional companies rarely make such errors. However, it is important to recognize that the grammar in many phishing emails is improving thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence.

8. **Generic Greetings**: Be cautious of generic openings such as "Dear Customer" instead of your name.

By being mindful of these signs, you can safeguard yourself against phishing scams.

Cybercriminals Exploit Emotional Situations.

Cybercriminals use phishing emails to play on your emotions. One key sign of a phishing email is a "sense of urgency." This means email pressures you to act quickly. Scammers want you to click before you think!

Urgency can be positive or negative:

**Positive urgency examples: **

- "You won a prize!"

- "You’re owed money!"

- "Get this exclusive deal!"

**Negative urgency examples: **

- "You've been hacked!"

- "The IRS is investigating you!"

- "Criminals are recording you through your webcam!"

- "There is a warrant for your arrest!"

Even if these messages feel alarming, remember that most emails about serious issues, like IRS audits, are scams. Scammers may claim to have embarrassing footage of you to get your attention and money—do not give in!

**Take 5 seconds with every email: **  

You can spot phishing email red flags in just five seconds. Before clicking links, sending information, or downloading anything, pause and think about whether the email is real. Ask a coworker, friend, or family member if they think the message is strange. No email needs an answer within a minute.

Always Think Before You Click

Staying one step ahead of phishing scammers is easier than you might think. Always trust your gut—if something feels off, it is! Feel free to ask a friend for their thoughts if you are unsure. Taking just a few seconds to think before you click can really help you stay safe online. Let us look out for each other, and if your business is discovering multiple issues happening, let the experts at Tech61 help resolve your issues.