How to spot Phishing emails

Email scams have become a constant threat these days, and phishing is one of the most common ways scammers try to steal personal information. These scams often appear as legitimate emails from well-known companies or even your bank, but they’re actually traps set to “hook” unsuspecting victims into giving up sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Insurance Numbers.

Phishing emails often contain urgent language, trying to scare you into immediate action, like “Your account will be locked if you don’t respond!” They might even include official-looking logos or mimic a company’s branding. Once you click a link or download an attachment, you may be redirected to a fake website designed to look real, where you’re prompted to enter personal information. Or worse, malware might be installed on your device.

So, how do you avoid getting “phished”? First, be skeptical. If an email looks suspicious, don’t click on any links or download attachments. Check the sender’s email address—often, there are subtle signs of a scam, like extra characters or misspellings. Look for generic greetings like “Dear customer” instead of your name.

If you’re unsure, contact the company directly through a verified phone number or website to confirm the legitimacy of the email. Remember that no legitimate company will ask for sensitive information via email. Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and always “think before you click” to avoid getting caught in the scammers’ net.

By staying aware and cautious, you can ensure that you don’t take the bait from email scammers phishing for trouble. If you are unsure, please send it our way, we are happy to check it for you free of charge. Just forward the email to creative@colourinfusion.ca