What is a Scam Email?
A scam email (also called a "phishing" email) is a fake email that tries to trick you into giving away your personal information or money. Scammers send millions of these every day, hoping to catch people out.
The good news? Once you know what to look for, they're usually easy to spot!
Red Flags - Warning Signs to Look For
1. It Asks for Personal Information
Real companies (like your bank, email provider, or online shops) will never ask you to send your password, PIN, or bank details by email.
If an email asks for this, it's a scam! Delete it immediately.
2. It Creates Urgency or Panic
Scammers want you to act quickly without thinking. They might say things like:
- "Your account will be closed in 24 hours!"
- "Urgent action required!"
- "Click here immediately or you'll lose access!"
- "Your payment has failed - update now!"
Real companies don't work like this. They'll give you time and won't panic you.
3. Poor Spelling and Grammar
Real companies have professional emails that are well-written. Scam emails often have:
- Spelling mistakes
- Bad grammar
- Weird capitalisation (like "YOUR Account Is At RISK!")
- Strange punctuation
4. The Email Address Looks Wrong
Check the email address it came from. Scammers often use addresses that look similar but aren't quite right:
- ❌ "noreply@paypa1.com" (should be "paypal.com")
- ❌ "support@amaz0n.co.uk" (should be "amazon.co.uk")
- ❌ "security@barclays-bank.com" (should be "barclays.co.uk")
Look carefully - scammers use tricks like replacing letters with numbers or adding extra words.
5. It Asks You to Click a Link
Scam emails often have links that take you to fake websites. Before clicking:
- Hover your mouse over the link (don't click!)
- Look at the bottom of your screen - it will show you where the link really goes
- If it doesn't match the company's real website, it's a scam
Better yet: Don't click links in emails. If you need to log into your bank or email, type the website address yourself.
6. It Offers Something Too Good to Be True
If an email says you've won a prize, inherited money, or been selected for a special offer you didn't enter, it's almost certainly a scam.
Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
7. It Has Attachments You Weren't Expecting
Never open attachments from emails you weren't expecting, especially from people you don't know. They might contain viruses.
Common Scam Email Examples
The "Your Account Will Be Closed" Scam
What it says: "Your [Bank/Email/Account] will be closed in 24 hours unless you verify your details by clicking here."
Why it's a scam: Real companies don't close accounts with 24 hours' notice. They'll send letters in the post and give you plenty of time.
What to do: Delete it. If you're worried, call the company directly using the number on their official website (not the one in the email!).
The "You've Won a Prize" Scam
What it says: "Congratulations! You've won £10,000! Click here to claim your prize."
Why it's a scam: You can't win a prize you didn't enter a competition for.
What to do: Delete it immediately.
The "Payment Failed" Scam
What it says: "Your payment for [something] has failed. Click here to update your payment details."
Why it's a scam: Real companies will show payment problems in your account on their website, not just email you.
What to do: Log into the company's website directly (don't use the link in the email) and check your account.
The "Tech Support" Scam
What it says: "We've detected a problem with your computer. Click here to let us fix it."
Why it's a scam: Real tech companies don't email you about problems they've "detected". They wait for you to contact them.
What to do: Delete it. If you're worried about your computer, call a company you trust (like WiseGuys!).
What to Do If You Get a Scam Email
- Don't click any links in the email
- Don't open any attachments
- Don't reply to the email
- Delete it immediately
- If you're worried it might be real, contact the company directly using their official website or phone number (not the one in the email!)
What If I Already Clicked Something?
If you've already clicked a link or entered information:
- Don't panic - act quickly
- Change your password immediately (if you entered one)
- Contact your bank if you entered bank details
- Call us on 0808 123 2820 - we can check your computer for viruses and help secure your accounts
How to Report Scam Emails
You can report scam emails to:
- Action Fraud: actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040
- Your email provider: Most email providers (like Gmail, Outlook) let you report spam/scam emails
Reporting helps protect other people from the same scams.
Common Questions
Q: How do scammers get my email address?
A: They buy lists of email addresses, or get them from websites where you've entered your email. This is why it's important to be careful where you give your email address.
Q: Will opening a scam email give me a virus?
A: Usually not - just opening an email is usually safe. The danger is clicking links or opening attachments. But it's still best to delete scam emails without opening them.
Q: How can I stop getting scam emails?
A> You can't stop them completely, but you can reduce them by being careful where you give your email address. Most email providers also have spam filters that catch many scam emails.
Need More Help?
If you're worried about a suspicious email or think you might have been scammed, we're here to help. Call us on 0808 123 2820 and we can:
- Help you check if an email is a scam
- Secure your computer and accounts
- Remove any viruses that might have been installed
- Give you advice on staying safe online
Remember - when in doubt, don't click, and give us a call!