Three Common Email Scams and How to Spot Them
Most of us receive dozens of emails every day, and scammers know it. Increasingly, fraud attempts begin with emails that appear to come from trusted organizations and encourage recipients to click quickly without taking a closer look.
Some of these emails can be surprisingly convincing. The good news is that many scams rely on familiar tactics. Once you know what to watch for, they become much easier to recognize.
Here are three common email scams to watch for.
Fake Financial Institution Alerts
One of the most common email scams involves messages that appear to come from a bank, credit card company, or investment firm. These emails often warn of “suspicious activity,” claim your account has been locked, or ask you to verify account information.
The message usually includes a link that directs you to what looks like a login page. In reality, the page is designed to collect usernames, passwords, or other sensitive information.
A good rule of thumb is to avoid clicking links in unexpected emails. If you receive a message claiming to be from your bank or financial institution, open a new browser window and go directly to the company’s official website or contact them using the phone number you normally use.
Emails Impersonating Government Agencies
Scammers sometimes send emails that appear to come from government agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service. These messages may promise a tax refund, warn of unpaid taxes, or ask you to confirm personal information.
The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text message, or social media. Its first contact is typically an official letter sent through the mail.
Fraudsters may use similar tactics while pretending to represent the Social Security Administration, claiming there is an issue with your benefits or asking you to verify personal information.
Requests for immediate payment, threats of legal action, or demands for sensitive information are common warning signs of a scam.
If you receive an email claiming to be from a government agency, do not click links or respond. Instead, verify the message through official government websites.
Account Reset Phishing
Another common tactic involves emails claiming there has been a login attempt on one of your accounts. The message might say your password was changed or that you need to reset your credentials right away.
These emails often include a link that leads to a fake website designed to capture your login information.
Rather than clicking the link in the email, open a new browser window and go directly to the company’s official website. From there, you can log in or check your account normally.
As a general rule, avoid clicking links in unexpected emails, especially if they involve your passwords or financial accounts.
A Simple Habit That Can Help
Many scams rely on creating urgency and encouraging people to act quickly. Taking a moment to pause and verify an unexpected email can prevent costly mistakes.
If you ever receive an email related to your financial accounts and aren’t sure whether it’s legitimate, contact the institution directly before responding. If you have questions about protecting your financial accounts or even have a suspicious email you’d like a second opinion on, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to help.
