Encrypted emails are the oldest trick in the book. These scams can often appear as messages from close relationships, deal opportunities, lottery winnings, or lost inheritance. They may even look like a simple social media notification (with a secret phishing scam buried just beneath the surface). While you might think you can easily spot and avoid potential threats from snatching your information, these emails can slip past even the most observant of people.
For as many phishing scams as you avoid, more are sent back into its place. Falling for one of these “urgent” emails allows scammers to access your personal information for their own nefarious purposes. Though fear not, there’s an easy solution to this common problem. Let us show you how to spot these fake emails and save yourself from being their next victim.
The fake email scam
Fake emails vary in terms of realism. Each made to sound personal or professional depending on the target, these emails might use business and government logos or typography in order to sell the ruse. Fake emails may even pretend to be your closest friends and family in order to trick you.
Though you can try to find amateur details to uncover their true nature, here are several types of fake email scams you should be on the look out for first:
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Impersonisation: Impersonation scams will pretend to be businesses, government or charitable organisations, celebrities, or friends and family, to lure you in. Then through links or downloadable attachments, scammers can install malware onto your device. They may even try intimidation or emotional manipulation tactics to convince you to log into your personal accounts or send through money.
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Unexpected Money: Probably, the most well-known email scam. Unexpected money scams will try to convince you of winnings, rebates, or inheritance, you could access at the push of a button. Then to take hold of your winnings or inheritance, scammers will try to convince you to pay administration fees or taxes through your bank details.
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Victim of Identity Crime: These email scams will try and persuade you that you’ve been a victim of a previous crime. Scammers prey on your fear of identity theft to convince you that they can help recover any lost money or compensation, if you simply send them your personal details.
How to spot a fake email
Some emails may be very convincing, yet there are still a few details that will give them away. From changes in tone of voice to strange fee requests, not every scammer has the means to keep their bases covered. So If any suspicious emails make their way into your inbox, here are some common signs to look out for:
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Requests personal details: No legitimate organisation will ask you for payment over email or phone call. If you’ve been sent an email asking for your BSB and account number or a payment link to input them, you’re more than likely about to fall for a scam. Avoid theft attempts by refusing to hand over your personal bank details.
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Unusual links or attachments: A scammers favourite way to install viscous malware, clicking any links or attachments on suspicious emails will endanger your devices. Forego any requests from emails that you do not fully trust. Though if you happen to click before you realise, do not enter in any personal details.
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Free webmail address: Most businesses and government organisations will not have free email addresses (such as @outlook.com or @gmail.com). So if you stumble across an email from a business or government organisation asking you to input your details, check the email address before you do anything.
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Threats of violence or retaliation: Often, scammers may resort to threats or retaliation tactics to scare victims into submission. You will notice a shift in tone as they may try to intimidate you with threats of violence, deportation, or potential arrest. Though these emails may make their nefarious purposes crystal-clear, if you’re still unsure, you can reach out to the real organisation via phone to confirm.
Try Bitdefender protection
While you can do everything in your power to avoid scammers, you may need an extra layer of defense to block phishing attempts from your inbox. Bitdefender has an array of security products and services that’ll keep you fully protected:
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Bitdefender Total Security: Generous protection against viral threats, Bitdefender Total Security includes cross-platform protection for multiple devices. With additional Scam Prevention and Detection software, your money, credentials, identity, and digital assets will be kept fully safe.
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Bitdefender Premium Security: Featuring unlimited VPN and comprehensive email breach checks, Bitfender Premium Security takes malware protection to the next level. And with Scam Copilot and Email Protection built-in, these AI-powered anti-scam features will make sure your devices are fully safe.
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Bitdefender Ultimate Security: The best in all-encompassing protection software, Bitdefender Ultimate Security is a one-stop-shop for malware defense. You’ll be fully covered from potential threats with password manager, unlimited VPN for private browsing, Scam Copilot software, and digital identity protection.
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Bitdefender Scamio: This free to use AI-powered scam detector has your back. Powered by Bitdefender, this easy-to-use 24/7 chatbot can check your messages, links, attachments, even QR codes, for any potential scams, within seconds. Any and all potential threats will be dealt with before you know it.
Keep your inbox safe
If you’re tired of the endless scam emails sent to your inbox, invest in a reliable solution to shield you from frustrating phishing attempts. Bitdefender has everything you need to keep your information and digital footprint free of online attacks. With online scammers blocked from your devices, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief knowing your information is completely safe.
