Its scam email season
Yes, its the scam email season and and your inbox is the hunting ground. Just like holiday ads and seasonal sales, scam messages tend to arrive in waves, each one dressed up to look trustworthy. They imitate companies you rely on, mimic people you know, and push you to act before you think. These emails aren’t just annoyances; they’re traps designed to steal your information, money, or account access. Staying alert is your best defense, especially when every message looks believable.
Most Common Types of Scam Emails
- Fake Company Emails
These emails pretend to come from well-known companies, such as UPS, Amazon, banks, or even the military. They may claim that you requested a package or need to click a link to fix a problem. Scammers want you to act quickly without thinking. You should always confirm the message by contacting the company through an official website or phone number before taking any action. - Targeted Scam Emails (Spear Phishing)
These scams use your real name or part of your login information to seem trustworthy. They may warn that your account will be closed unless you pay a fee or click a link. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, legitimate businesses do not ask for personal information such as passwords, phone numbers, or email login details through email (Federal Bureau of Investigation, n.d.). Always review suspicious emails carefully and do not provide any information unless you can confirm the request is legitimate. - Emails Pretending to Be Your Boss or Coworker
Scammers sometimes impersonate someone from your workplace. They may ask for urgent payments, gift cards, or sensitive information. If you receive a message like this, contact the person directly using a known phone number or in person. Never rely on the email alone to
confirm the request. - “You Won!” Emails
These messages claim that you have won money, a prize, or a gift card, but they require you to pay a fee to claim it. This is always a scam. Clicking the link may take you to a website that is not safe. The website may ask you to create an account or start a subscription to collect your “prize.” Always treat these emails with suspicion and avoid providing any payment or personal information.
Signs of a Scam Email
You should be cautious if an email shows any of the following signs:
● Messages that sound urgent, threatening, or demanding immediate action.
● Poor spelling or grammar (These are nowadays more rare thanks to AI services!)
● Email addresses that look suspicious or do not match the organization.
● University emails that do not end in .edu.
● Links or attachments that you were not expecting.
● Requests for personal information such as passwords, phone numbers, or account details.
● Offers or links to websites that you do not recognize.
If an email seems suspicious, report it, delete it, and ask someone you trust for advice before responding.
How to Protect Yourself
● Do not click links from emails you do not trust.
● Check the email address carefully for small spelling differences and do not trust the displayed name.
● Contact the company using an official website or phone number instead of using links in the email.
● Use strong passwords and enable strong authentication (such as ZeroPass or 2FA) for your accounts.
● Do not share personal information through email.
● Install a virus scanner or ad-blocker extension to protect your device.
● Delete emails that seem suspicious without clicking any links.
● If you accidentally clicked on a link, change your passwords immediately and monitor your accounts for unusual activity.
Why This Matters
Scam emails are becoming more realistic every year. Knowing the warning signs can prevent you from losing money or exposing your personal information. Staying alert and cautious helps protect both your finances and your digital accounts.
Conclusion
Scam emails may look harmless, but they can cause serious problems. Always read messages
carefully and avoid rushing into any action. Trust your instincts when something seems off. If an
email seems suspicious, delete it, report it, and seek guidance from someone you trust before
responding.
References
Federal Bureau of Investigation. (n.d.). Spoofing and phishing.
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/spoofing-and-phishing