We’ve all been there, scrolling through our email inbox, tempted to click on that email that claims we’ve won big.
Maybe you’re a pro at ignoring those emails, but instead, you receive an email about a delay with your mail carrier immediately after placing an online order. While we may have gotten smarter about which emails to open, cybercriminals have improved their game, too.
Some phishing emails are so good that we don’t even think twice or question the sender’s authenticity.
In this article, we combined 5 red flags of phishing emails you should know about. Read on to learn how to protect your data.
1. Suspicious Senders
This one simple step can spare you the huge headache of falling victim to a phishing cybercrime. Before clicking on any links, look closely at the sender’s email address and BOLO for these common scam signals:
- Misspellings
- Strange domains.
- Minor alterations.
Always verify the legitimacy of unexpected emails, especially those requesting sensitive information or urgent action.
When in doubt, contact the alleged sender through a known, official channel to confirm the communication’s authenticity. Compared to the previous year, a 61% increase in the rate of phishing attacks was reported in 2022, so we must stay on our A-game.
2. Urgency and Threats
Phishing emails are notorious for creating a false sense of urgency, pressuring you into acting NOW, but before your anxiety starts to react to these threatening consequences or urgent demands, know this is all part of the phishing game.
These fear tactics are frequently used to manipulate individuals into divulging personal information or clicking on malicious links.
Stop and think before you react.
Always take a moment to assess the validity of such demands. Just because the branding looks legitimate doesn’t mean it is.
Cybercriminals used Microsoft branding in over 30 million malicious messages last year alone, so don’t be one of 44% of people who think an email is safe when it contains familiar logos.
3. Dodgy URLs
This one’s for you, all you click-happy internet users! Resist the urge to click on a link and, instead, hover your cursor over it to preview the URL.
This cautious approach lets you view the web address before engaging with a potentially malicious link.
Picture this: You receive an email for a sale on shoes with a clickable ad. You don’t recall the store or signing up for their email newsletters, but the shoes are the same ones you’ve been eyeing for some time now. You click the link without thinking, and as easy as that, you’re hacked.
Be vigilant and scrutinize URLs before clicking on them, and you will significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to phishing attempts.
Before you click, hover over a link and check for:
- Deviations: Anything different from what you would anticipate, like misspellings or unrelated content, should raise suspicions.
- Masked Destinations: Shortened links can hide the true destination, but a URL expander tool will reveal the full link.
- System Updates: Your device should remain up-to-date on antivirus protection, as these often detect and prevent potential threats, so don’t skip or delay patches.
4. Grammatical Errors and Odd Language
Slang words have become the norm in everyday life, but reputable organizations typically maintain a level of professionalism in their communications.
Well-known companies pay big bucks for their marketing strategies, so numerous typographical errors, grammatical mistakes, or strangely worded sentences should automatically raise red flags.
Pay attention to these linguistic inconsistencies, including hastily composed or poorly written content, as these serve as vital warning signs. Exercise caution, verify the legitimacy, and when in doubt, throw it out.
5. Personal Information Requests
Respectable businesses must adhere to strict protocols and will rarely request sensitive information through email correspondence. If you receive an email asking for confidential data, such as passwords, social security numbers, or financial details–you guessed it, it’s a red flag.
Be extremely cautious and refrain from sharing any sensitive data unless you can independently verify the legitimacy of the request through official channels or by contacting the institution directly using trusted contact information.
Bonus Tip: If you are not already utilizing a VPN (Virtual Private Network), you are doing yourself a disservice. VPNs add an extra layer of security, which should be the standard in our digital world, especially when accessing public Wi-Fi. Check out this Surfshark VPN review to learn more about the tool.
Cut the Line
You’re now a certified phish finder! Keep an eye on sender details, language, and URLs so you don’t get hooked by these sneaky scams. Never rush to take the bait by clicking links or sharing personal info without verifying the authenticity of the email.
And don’t forget one of the top tools in your tackle box – a VPN, like a bobber on the water, warning you of potential threats.
Don’t get reeled in; cut the line from these common phishing attempts and browse with confidence.
I’m sure, by now, you’ve gotten familiar with the term “phishing,” but for those unfamiliar with this common cyberthreat, let me explain. Phishing attempts are like digital bait, trying to lure in innocent, unsuspecting internet users. They are created to look like realistic promotional ads or urgent “click now” messages designed with precision and one goal in mind – to steal your personal sensitive information.
In 2022, a comprehensive analysis revealed that 16% of company data breaches were a direct result of phishing attacks. These scams impersonate legitimate entities—banks, companies, or even friends—trying to trick you into giving away valuable data.