Here are five common types of email scams, along tips on avoiding them. The image above shows how these might appear in your email.

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1. Phishing Emails

Example:
An email claiming to be from your bank, with a subject line like:
“Important Notice: Verify Your Account Immediately!”
The body includes a link to a fake login page mimicking the bank’s website.

How to Avoid:

• Always verify the sender’s email address.
• Hover over links without clicking to see where they lead.
• Avoid providing sensitive information through email. Contact your bank directly through official channels.

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2. Email Compromise (EC)

Example:
An email from a “Friend or Family Member” asking you to to send money urgently:
“Hi, I’m in trouble and can’t call. Please send me $2,000 to the attached account immediately. Please do this.”

How to Avoid:

• Verify unexpected requests for money or sensitive information by calling the sender directly.
• Have a family safe word to identify other family members.
• Enable multi-step approval for financial transactions.

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3. Lottery or Prize Scams

Example:
“Congratulations! You’ve won $1,000,000 in the Global Lottery. To claim, provide your bank details and pay a small processing fee.”

How to Avoid:

• Remember, legitimate lotteries do not ask for upfront fees.
• Delete unsolicited emails claiming you’ve won contests you didn’t enter.
• Be skeptical of emails asking for personal or financial details.

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4. Tech Support Scams

Example:
“Microsoft has detected a virus on your computer. Click here to download the solution or call this number for help.”

How to Avoid:

• Be cautious of unsolicited tech support offers.
• Use antivirus software from trusted sources.
• Contact tech support directly through verified channels if you have concerns.

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5. Charity Scams

Example:
“Urgent: Help victims of a recent disaster. Click here to donate now.”
The email might use emotional appeals and include links to fake charity websites.

How to Avoid:

• Donate only through verified and well-known charity websites.
• Check the organization’s legitimacy on sites like Charity Navigator.
• Avoid clicking donation links in unsolicited emails.