2024-12-26

Common types of email scams

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


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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Latest Posts

Related Posts