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.
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