How to Spot Fake, Spam or Deceptive Emails
(Like a Pro!)
At Delicious Webdesign, we understand how important it is to protect yourself and your business from email scams. Cybercriminals are always looking for ways to trick you into revealing sensitive information or downloading harmful files. Below, we’ve outlined key indicators that can help you determine if an email is spam or a phishing attempt.
Email Jargon - Get to know!
‘Phishing’ – A type of online scam where criminals send fake emails pretending to be from a trusted company (like PayPal, your bank, or even your own email provider) to trick you into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or personal data.
‘Spoofing’ – When an attacker disguises an email to look like it’s coming from a legitimate source. For example, you may receive an email that appears to be from your own company, but it’s actually from a scammer.
‘Spam’ – Unwanted or unsolicited emails, usually sent in bulk, that try to sell you something or trick you into clicking harmful links.
‘Malware’ – Short for malicious software, this refers to viruses, spyware, or other harmful programs that can be installed on your device through dangerous email attachments or links.
‘Ransomware’ – A type of malware that locks your files or computer and demands payment (a ransom) to restore access. It is often spread through fake email attachments.
‘Attachments’ – Files sent along with an email. These can be safe (like PDFs or images) or dangerous (like .exe, .dat, or suspicious Word/Excel files that ask you to enable macros).
‘Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)’ – An extra security step that requires a second verification method (like a code sent to your phone) to log in to an account, making it harder for hackers to access your emails.
‘Suspicious Login Attempt’ – An alert that tells you someone might be trying to access your email account from an unknown device or location. Scammers sometimes fake these alerts to make you click on phishing links.
‘Link Hovering’ – A method to check where a link will take you before clicking it. If you move your mouse over a link (without clicking), the actual website address will appear, allowing you to spot scams.
‘Email Filtering’ – A system used by email providers to automatically sort and remove spam, phishing, and junk emails before they reach your inbox.
What To Do If You Suspect an Email is Spam or a Scam
- Do not open attachments or click links.
- Check the sender’s email address carefully.
- Hover over links to verify destinations before clicking.
- Mark suspicious emails as spam and report phishing attempts.
- Contact the company directly via their official website if you’re unsure.
