Technology
From bad spelling to strange links – five ways to spot a scam email and keep your cash safe
AS we approach Christmas email scammers are working away trying to scam stressed shoppers and social media users out of cash or data.
Although it would be difficult to stop them contacting you altogether, there are a few simple steps you can take to spot a scam email and avoid it.
SOPA Images/LightRocket via GettWe’ve rounded up five ways to try and spot a scammer[/caption]
Bad spelling
Poor phrasing is another good way to spot an email scam.
Watch out for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
A legitimate company such as a bank or PayPal would have thoroughly checked any email they send to customers for mistakes.
A scammer may slip up and this is a good way to catch them out.
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General greeting
Phishing emails are often sent to a vast amount of people.
You may spot that an email isn’t even addressed to you or that the scammer has spelt your name wrong.
If a scammer gets your name wrong that could be a big giveaway sign so they tend to go for a more general greeting.
Attempt to make you panic
A lot of phishing emails include an attempt to make the victim panic.
Scammers use this technique to try and make you give away your details quickly before you’ve had time to think.
Try and stay calm if you get a scary or demanding email, especially if it is asking for money.
Take your time to think through what you’re being asked and ring up or verify the sender through other means.
Suspicious links or attachments
A lot of scam emails encourage you click on a link or open an attachment.
This may be because a scammer wants to load malware on your device or take you to a dodgy website which may ask for your personal details.
Never click on a link or attachment unless you’re sure it’s not a scam.
Suspicious email address
You can check the email address associated with an account name by hovering over the account name at the top of the email or clicking on it.
Anything other than an official email address is a red flag.
A scammer may try and copy the email address of a company or someone you know.
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