How to Identify a Phishing Email
- Check the Sender’s Email Address – Scammers often use email addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but may contain misspellings or extra characters.
- Look for Urgent or Threatening Language – Be wary of emails pressuring you to act quickly, such as claiming your account will be locked if you don’t respond immediately.
- Inspect Links Before Clicking – Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. If it looks suspicious or doesn’t match the sender’s organization, do not click.
- Watch for Poor Grammar and Spelling – Many phishing emails contain unusual phrasing, grammatical errors, or misspelled words.
- Do Not Open Unexpected Attachments – If you receive an attachment from an unknown sender or an unexpected file from someone you know, verify its legitimacy before opening.
- Verify Directly with the Company – If you receive a message requesting sensitive information, contact the company directly using their official website or phone number, not the contact details in the email.
What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Email:
- Do not click on any links or open attachments.
- Do not reply to the email or provide any personal information.
- Delete the email to prevent accidental interaction.