How to Recognize a Phishing Email
Phishing emails are one of the most common scam patterns, designed to trick you into clicking a link or handing over login credentials. Here's exactly what to look for.
Check the sender address, not just the display name
Scammers can set any display name they want. Look at the actual email address after the @ symbol — a legitimate organization's domain rarely changes, while a phishing email often uses a slightly misspelled or unrelated domain.
Watch for urgency and threats
Phrases like "your account will be suspended in 24 hours" or "immediate action required" are designed to make you act before you think. Legitimate organizations rarely demand instant action by email.
Hover before you click
On desktop, hover over any link to see the actual destination URL in your browser's status bar. If it doesn't match the organization it claims to be from, don't click it.
Be suspicious of generic greetings
"Dear Customer" or "Dear User" instead of your actual name can be a sign of a mass phishing campaign rather than a personalized, legitimate message.
Never enter credentials from an email link
Instead, open a new browser tab and type the organization's known web address directly, or use their official app, to check your account status.
Key takeaway
The fastest way to catch a phishing email is to check the real sender address and avoid clicking any embedded link — go directly to the organization's known website or app instead.
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