How to spot phishing emails
Phishing emails are fraudulent messages that appear to come from a legitimate source, such as a bank, a well-known company, or a colleague. The goal of these emails is to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as your password, credit card number, or social security number. Here are some tips to help you spot a phishing email:
Check the sender's email address: Look at the sender's email address carefully. It may look similar to a legitimate email address, but there may be slight differences, such as a misspelled domain name or an extra character.
Be wary of urgent or threatening language: Phishing emails often use urgent or threatening language to create a sense of panic and pressure you into acting quickly. Be cautious of emails that claim your account has been compromised or that you need to take immediate action to avoid a negative consequence.
Look for spelling and grammar mistakes: Legitimate companies take the time to ensure their emails are well-written and error-free. If an email contains spelling or grammar mistakes, it may be a sign that it is a phishing attempt.
Be cautious of links and attachments: Phishing emails often contain links or attachments that, if clicked, can install malware on your computer or take you to a fake website designed to steal your information. Hover your mouse over links to see the actual URL and be cautious of clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious sources.
Verify the information: If you receive an email that seems suspicious, verify the information before taking any action. Contact the company or person directly using a phone number or email address you know to be legitimate.
Some examples of how to spot phishing are below:
