We’ve all seen them – those weird emails promising lottery wins, urgent password resets, or strange invoices. Scam emails are getting trickier every day, and anyone can fall for one. Let’s walk through how to recognise scam emails and protect yourself online, no matter your tech experience.
What is a scam email?
Scam emails (also called phishing emails) are fake messages that try to trick you into handing over personal information, passwords, or money. They often look like they’re from trusted companies like Australia Post, banks, or even the government.
According to the ACCC’s Scamwatch, Australians lost over $22 million to phishing scams in 2023.
Signs it’s a scam
Watch out for these warning signs:
- Urgent language: “Act now” or “Your account will be closed”
- Spelling mistakes: Poor grammar is a big clue
- Weird email addresses: Hover over the sender’s name to see the real address
- Unexpected attachments: These can contain viruses
- Links that don’t match: Hover over links to preview where they go – don’t click if unsure
What should you do
- Don’t click any suspicious links.
- Don’t reply – even to tell them off!
- Report it to your email provider.
- Delete it – and tell others to watch out.
Want a safer inbox?
Use spam filters, turn on two-factor authentication, and keep your devices up to date. If you’re unsure about an email, ask a tech-savvy friend or your support team – it’s better to double-check.