Lately, we’ve had quite a few people reaching out asking us to help verify whether certain emails are legitimate or not. With online scams becoming more common (and unfortunately more convincing), we thought it would be helpful to put together a quick guide on some of the most common warning signs to look out for.
1. Check the Sender’s Email Address
One of the easiest ways to spot a suspicious email is by looking closely at the sender’s email address. Scammers often create addresses that look similar to legitimate companies but contain small changes, extra letters, numbers, or unusual domains.
For example:
- support@paypaI.com (using a capital “I” or the number one, instead of an “L”)
- amazon-support123@gmail.com
When in doubt, compare the sender’s email address to the company’s official website.
2. Watch Out for Urgent Language
Scammers love creating panic. If an email says things like:
- “Your account will be suspended immediately!”
- “Payment required within 24 hours!”
- “Urgent action needed!”
Take a step back before clicking anything. Legitimate companies rarely pressure customers into making immediate decisions through email.
3. Hover Over Links Before Clicking
Most email programs allow you to hover your mouse over a link without clicking it. This lets you see where the link is actually going.
If the link claims to be from your bank but points somewhere completely different, that’s a major red flag.
4. Be Careful with Attachments
Unexpected attachments should always be treated with caution, especially if they are:
- ZIP files
- Executable files (.exe)
- Unknown PDFs
- Documents asking you to enable macros
If you weren’t expecting the attachment, verify with the sender before opening it.
5. Look for Poor Grammar and Formatting
While some scam emails are very convincing, many still contain:
- Spelling mistakes
- Poor grammar
- Odd wording
- Strange formatting
Professional companies usually have proper branding, formatting, and proofreading in place.
6. Never Share Passwords or Verification Codes
No legitimate company should ever ask you to send:
- Passwords
- Banking PINs
- Credit card details
- Two-factor authentication codes
If someone is requesting this information, it’s best to stop communication immediately.
When in Doubt, Ask
If an email seems suspicious, trust your instincts. It’s always better to spend a few minutes verifying an email than to deal with the consequences of a scam.
We’ve been helping quite a few people confirm whether emails are legitimate recently, so if you’re ever unsure, feel free to reach out. Sometimes a second set of eyes can make all the difference.
Stay safe online!
