Ask the Expert: Scam Emails

How can I spot a scam email?

Emails are great, but they can also be a breeding ground for unwanted junk.  Here's how to avoid getting tricked by those pesky spammers:

“When in doubt, delete the email and report it to your email provider by marking as spam/ junk. It's better to be safe than sorry! Remember, a little caution goes a long way in protecting your information and avoiding online scams”.

Sender Shenanigans:

• Who is this? If you don't recognize the sender, hit delete. Unless it's your long-lost Nigerian prince uncle (spoiler alert: it's not), it's probably spam.

• Check the address: Does the email address match the sender's name? If it looks fishy, like "[email address removed]," don't trust it.

Subject Line Suspicion:

• All caps and urgency? Emails screaming about FREE MONEY or claiming your account will EXPLODE are usually scams.

• Typos and weirdness: Grammatical errors and strange symbols are like flashing neon signs saying "spam!"

Content Clues:

• Hey there, stranger! Generic greetings like "Dear Customer" are impersonal and a red flag.

• Asking for a favour? Be wary of emails asking for personal information, money, or clicks on suspicious links, especially from unknown senders.

• Shady writing: Emails with bad grammar, weird phrasing, and unprofessional language are likely spam.

Attachment Antics:

• Don't open surprises! Unless you were expecting an attachment, avoid opening it, even if it sounds tempting.