Hey there, business owners and cybersecurity warriors!
Today we’re talking about something you see every day—emails.
Now, most of them are harmless, but some can be major red flags that scream “phishing scam.” Hackers are getting sneakier, and spotting these red flags could mean the difference between keeping your data safe or falling victim to a costly breach.
Let’s dive into the most common phishing email signs that you and your employees need to watch out for.
Think You Can Spot a Phishing Email? These Red Flags Could Save You From a Major Security Breach!
Phishing emails can look surprisingly legitimate these days, but they always leave clues. Here are the most common signs that an email is trying to scam you.
1. Unfamiliar or Slightly “Off” Email Addresses
One of the first things to check is the email address of the sender. Phishing emails often come from addresses that seem legitimate at first glance but are slightly “off.” For example, instead of coming from amazon.com, the email might come from amazon-customerservice.com or amazn.co. These subtle changes can be easy to miss, but they’re a huge red flag.
Tip: Always hover over the sender’s name to reveal the full email address. If it looks even slightly off, don’t trust it! PLUS: JUST don’t CLICK the link! GO to Amazon.com, login and look for your order, tracking, or whatever IF it even exists.
Don’t Let Your Inbox Fool You—Always Double-Check the Sender’s Address
Phishers rely on you skimming over details, but a quick glance at the email address could stop an attack before it starts.
2. Urgent or Threatening Language
Phishing emails often use urgency or fear tactics to get you to act quickly without thinking. Phrases like “Your account has been locked!” or “Immediate action required!” are meant to pressure you into clicking a malicious link or downloading a dangerous attachment.
Tip: If an email is trying to scare you into action, take a breath. Legitimate companies don’t use fear to force decisions. Always verify through official channels.
Urgency Is a Scammer’s Best Tool—Don’t Let It Be Yours
Slow down, take a minute, and always verify directly with the company before clicking on anything. AGAIN – Don’t Click the LINK!
3. Suspicious Attachments or Links
Hackers often hide malware in attachments or links disguised as legitimate content. If an email from an unfamiliar sender contains an unexpected attachment (especially .exe, .zip, or .doc files) or a link that looks suspicious, you should be extremely cautious.
Tip: Never click on links or download attachments unless you’re 100% certain they’re legitimate. Hover over links to see where they’re really taking you.
One Click Could Be All It Takes—Don’t Fall for Suspicious Links or Attachments
Phishing emails count on you to act fast, but slow and steady wins the cybersecurity race.
4. Spelling and Grammar Mistakes
Many phishing emails come from outside the country or from unprofessional hackers, meaning they’re often riddled with spelling errors and bad grammar. Official companies take their communications seriously, so obvious mistakes are a tell-tale sign of a scam.
Tip: Be wary of emails with multiple typos, awkward phrasing, or incorrect grammar. Even if the branding looks legitimate, mistakes are a major red flag. With the rise of AI – it’s EASY for hackers to even look more professional these days. Trust no one.
Would a Legitimate Business Send a Sloppy Email?
If the email reads like it was written in a rush, it probably wasn’t written by the company it claims to represent. EVEN when it SEEMS legitimate – text or call the person to verify it was really them. TRUST your gut – don’t trust the email, text – even calls and such.
5. Requests for Sensitive Information
No legitimate company will ask for sensitive information—like your passwords, credit card numbers, or social security number—via email. If an email is asking for this kind of info, it’s almost guaranteed to be a phishing attempt.
Tip: Legitimate businesses use secure portals for information like this, never email. When in doubt, contact the company directly through their official website.
If It’s Asking for Personal Info, It’s a Phishing Attempt
Protect yourself by never sharing sensitive information via email OR phone! Unless YOU initiated it – don’t ever give out sensitive information.
Conclusion: Stay One Step Ahead of Phishing Scams
Phishing emails are one of the most common and dangerous threats to your business, but by staying alert to these red flags, you can protect yourself and your company from falling victim to them. Encourage your employees to double-check everything before they click, and always trust your gut if something feels off.
Need help securing your business from phishing scams? DS Tech offers training and phishing defense solutions to keep your team one step ahead of hackers. You’ve got this!
Stay vigilant, stay secure, and keep pushing forward. Thanks for reading!
