Emails scams have risen in frequency for many years, and while our email providers do their best to discard the spam, scammers keep learning new ways to trick people into believing they’re legitimate. Fortunately, you can avoid falling victim to scams if you know what to look out for, which is why this article details six of the main warning signs and how to avoid them.

Poorly Written Emails

Reputable companies usually check their emails thoroughly before sending them to their customers and subscribers. Emails are vetted to prevent potential legal issues, eliminate grammar and spelling mistakes, and fine-tune the content, so be wary of emails that seem poorly written. Even the largest companies make the odd mistake from time to time, but an email laden with mistakes should start alarm bells ringing.

It Seems Too Good to be True

Many scam emails claim to give readers an exclusive prize for winning a competition they never entered. While it would be wonderful to receive free gadgets and money for no apparent reason, it’s important not to trust emails that make these kinds of claims. It’s a saying that you’re probably familiar with, but if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

You Need to Send Personal Information

There are very few legitimate organizations that would ask you to send personal information by email. If an email asks for contact details, passwords, secret answers, and account numbers your first assumption should be that the email is a scam. Be aware that most scammers are smart enough not to ask you for personal information on the first email – remain vigilant when asked for personal info even if you’ve been in contact with the sender for a long time.

Dodgy Links

Don’t click on links embedded in emails until you’ve checked the web address. Smart scammers know how to make URLs that look legitimate, but you can spot scam URLs by ensuring the parent company’s name comes last. For example, info.microsoft.com would most likely be owned by Microsoft, but microsoft.prizehere.com is likely to be a website you don’t want or need to visit.

Unrealistic Threats

No bank or government organization would ever ask you to respond to an email with money, bank details or passwords as to avoid negative consequences. For example, banks can’t legally ask you to send payment to prevent your assets being seized by email; they can merely notify you of changes or explain warnings and then detail your next steps. Make sure you stay vigilant and ignore emails that make threats. Contact legitimate companies using details found on their official websites if you’re unsure.

A Lack of Contact Information

Most legitimate companies include their contact information within emails, and at the very least, they should provide contact information in the email signature. If an email asks for a response, personal details, or asks you to follow a link without letting you know how to contact them, it probably should be ignored.

Scam emails are on the increase, but our ability to spot them keeps improving. If you remain vigilant by remembering the tips detailed above, you can make your online life much less miserable and enjoy reading the emails that really matter.