The Anatomy of a Scam Email: What You Need to Know
Phishing emails continue to be one of the most common tools fraudsters use to trick people into sharing sensitive information. They’re sneaky, often look legitimate, and rely on catching you off guard. But once you know what to look for, these scams become easier to spot—and avoid.
Here’s a breakdown of what makes up a scam email, the red flags to watch for, and the steps you should take if one lands in your inbox.
Look Closely at the Sender’s Email Address
Scam emails often appear to come from trusted organizations—like banks, delivery services, or government agencies. However, a closer look at the sender’s address often reveals the truth.
What to Watch For:- Misspellings or odd domains (e.g., “[email protected]” instead of “[email protected]”).
- Generic email providers (e.g., “@gmail.com”) used for official-looking emails.
- Small changes that mimic legitimate addresses (e.g., “amazon.secure.com” instead of “amazon.com”).
Tip: If the sender seems suspicious, compare the email address to ones you’ve received from that company before.
Beware of Urgent or Threatening Language
Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into taking quick action—before you have time to think.
Common Phrases:- “Your account has been locked. Verify now to regain access.”
- “Unusual activity detected. Immediate action required!”
- “Final notice: Pay this overdue invoice within 24 hours.”
Why This Works: Scammers know that when we panic, we’re less likely to notice mistakes or think critically.
What to Do: Take a breath and question any email that demands immediate action.
Inspect the Links and Attachments
Scam emails often include links to fake websites or malicious attachments designed to steal your information or infect your device.
Red Flags:- Hover over links (without clicking) to check where they lead. If the URL doesn’t match the supposed sender (e.g., a link claiming to be from your bank directs to “bank-login-security.com”), it’s a scam.
- Attachments with strange file types (e.g.,
.exe,.zip, or.rar) or unexpected invoices.
What to Do: Never click on links or download attachments from emails you aren’t sure about. Instead, visit the company’s website directly by typing the URL into your browser.
Check for Poor Spelling, Grammar, or Formatting
Legitimate organizations carefully proofread their communications. Scam emails, on the other hand, often contain mistakes or awkward wording.
What to Look For:- Typos, incorrect grammar, or strange sentence structures.
- Generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of using your name.
- Logos or branding that look pixelated, outdated, or off-color.
Why This Happens: Many phishing emails come from overseas, where English may not be the scammer’s first language.
Requests for Sensitive Information
No legitimate company will ask for your personal information—like passwords, Social Security numbers, or account details—over email.
Common Requests in Scam Emails:- “Please provide your password to confirm your identity.”
- “Verify your credit card number to avoid account suspension.”
- “Reply with your Social Security number to process this request.”
Rule of Thumb: If an email asks for sensitive information, it’s a scam. Delete it immediately.
What to Do If You Spot a Scam Email
- Do Not Click or Respond: Avoid clicking any links, downloading attachments, or replying to the email.
- Report the Email:
- Forward it to ALLIANCE Credit Union at [[email protected]].
- Report phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at [email protected].
- Delete the Email: Move it to your spam folder or trash.
- Monitor Your Accounts: If you accidentally interacted with the email, monitor your bank accounts for unusual activity and update your passwords immediately.
Stay Alert—Trust Your Instincts
Phishing emails rely on urgency, fear, and confusion to succeed. By staying calm, looking closely at the details, and trusting your instincts, you can keep yourself—and your information—safe.
At ALLIANCE Credit Union, we’re committed to helping you recognize and avoid these threats. If you ever have doubts about an email, don’t hesitate to contact us directly.
