#0051 How to Spot SCAM Emails and Other Harmful Messages

Shelby Meyer

Written	March 12, 2025
AI Enhanced	March 12, 2025
Updated	-
Category	[SECURITY]

Protect yourself!

Email is an essential tool for communication, but it also presents opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting users. Phishing scams, malware-laden attachments, and fraudulent requests for personal information can have serious consequences. Here’s how you can protect yourself from scam emails and other harmful messages.

Recognize Common Signs of Scam Emails

Scam emails often exhibit certain red flags. Be on the lookout for:

Unfamiliar Senders: If you don’t recognize the sender, proceed with caution.
Urgent Language: Scammers try to create a sense of urgency to make you act quickly.
Suspicious Links and Attachments: Hover over links to see where they lead before clicking. Avoid opening unexpected attachments.
Poor Grammar and Spelling: Many scam emails contain noticeable errors.
Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate companies do not ask for sensitive data via email.

Use Strong Email Security Measures

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of protection.
Use a Spam Filter: Most email providers automatically filter out suspicious emails, but you can adjust your settings for more control.
Regularly Update Your Passwords: Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.
Check the Email Domain: Scammers often use addresses that look similar to legitimate domains but contain slight misspellings.

Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links

Before clicking any link:

Hover Over the Link: Verify the URL before clicking.
Manually Enter Website Addresses: If an email asks you to log in, go directly to the official website instead of clicking the provided link.
Use Link-Checking Tools: Websites like VirusTotal can help verify if a link is safe.

Be Wary of Unsolicited Attachments

Attachments can contain malware or ransomware. To stay safe:

Do Not Open Unexpected Attachments: Even if the sender appears legitimate, confirm with them before opening.
Scan Attachments with Antivirus Software: Many email providers automatically scan attachments, but you can add an extra layer of security.

Verify the Sender’s Identity

If you receive an email requesting sensitive information or urging action:

Contact the Sender Through Official Channels: Call or visit the official website to verify the request.
Look for Spoofed Email Addresses: Scammers may use fake email addresses that look similar to real ones.

Report Scam Emails

If you receive a suspicious email:

Mark It as Spam: This helps improve spam filtering.
Report It to Your Email Provider: Services like Gmail and Outlook have options to report phishing attempts.
Notify Relevant Authorities: Some countries have cybersecurity agencies where you can report phishing scams.

Final Thoughts

Staying vigilant against scam emails is crucial in today’s digital world. By recognizing red flags, securing your email account, and being cautious with links and attachments, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to email scams. Always trust your instincts—when in doubt, don’t engage with suspicious emails.