Phishing scams can be hard to spot, especially when fake messages closely mimic real ones. Knowing what signs to look for can help protect your accounts, your money and your personal data from falling into the wrong hands.
Check for Suspicious Sender Details
A common phishing tactic is to use email addresses that look official at first glance but are slightly altered. These might include extra characters, misspellings or strange domain names that don’t match the genuine company. Always check the full email address, not just the display name, before taking any action. You can enlist the help of https://www.etempa.co.uk/website-security-checks, who perform website security checks.
Be Wary of Urgent or Threatening Language
Many phishing messages rely on panic to prompt a quick response. You might be told your account will be locked or that action is needed straight away to avoid a problem. Real companies don’t usually use scare tactics or demand immediate action, so take a moment to think before clicking.
Hover over Links Before Clicking
Phishing emails often include links that look legitimate but actually direct you to fake websites designed to steal your details. Before clicking, hover your mouse over the link to see the full URL-it should match the company’s official website.
Watch Out for Unexpected Attachments
Attachments can be used to spread malware, especially when sent by unfamiliar sources. Files like .zip, .exe or documents asking you to enable macros are often red flags. If you weren’t expecting a file or don’t recognise the sender, don’t open it-delete the message or scan it with antivirus software first.
Look for Unusual Account Activity
Strange login alerts, password reset requests or unfamiliar charges could be signs that your account has been compromised. If anything seems out of the ordinary, take action straight away by changing your password and notifying the relevant service. Setting up multi-factor authentication can also help stop attackers gaining access in future. The National Cyber Security Centre stresses the importance of MFA.
Staying alert to these warning signs can help you avoid getting caught out by phishing scams.
