Email scams
Email phishing imitates banks, brands, and colleagues to steal logins, payments, or to deliver malware. Lookalike domains and urgent 'alerts' do the heavy lifting.
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How scams appear on Email
An email scam typically imitates a sender you trust, using a lookalike domain or a spoofed display name. The body manufactures a deadline, a security alert, an overdue invoice, or a shared document, each leading to a fake login or payment page. Some carry an attachment that asks you to 'enable content' so it can run. The branding and urgency exist to push a click before you check the real address or sign in independently.
Common Email scam examples
Sanitised examples - placeholders only, never real links or data.
Example only: Unusual sign-in detected - verify your account: [fake-link removed]
Example only: Invoice attached - payment overdue. View: [fake-link removed]
Example only: Your mailbox is full - reactivate to keep receiving mail: [fake-link removed]
Red flags on Email
- A 'security alert' or invoice pushing you to a login link
- Sender address or domain that isn't the real one
- Unexpected attachments or 'enable content' prompts
- Urgency, threats, or too-good offers
How to verify safely
- Open accounts via the official app or an address you type yourself.
- Hover/long-press links to see the real destination before tapping.
- Verify unexpected invoices or requests with the sender directly.
How to report inside Email
- Use your mail app's 'Report phishing' / 'Report spam' option.
- Forward phishing to your provider and your fraud authority.
- Don't open unexpected attachments or 'enable content'.
How to protect your Email account
- Turn on app-based two-step verification for your email.
- Use a unique password and a password manager.
- Review forwarding rules and recent sign-ins for anything unfamiliar.
Related Email scam messages you can check
- Is this OTP / verification code request a scam?
- Is this Meta Business Support warning a scam?
- Is this PayPal invoice email a scam?
- Is this crypto recovery agent message a scam?
- Is this sextortion 'hello pervert' email a scam?
- Is this DHL customs duty payment scam a scam?
- Is this Amazon package delivery problem text a scam?
- Is this warehouse hold package scam a scam?
- Is this fake parking fine message a scam?
- Is this PayID buyer payment scam a scam?
- Is this Zelle payment pending scam a scam?
- Is this Cash App payment pending scam a scam?
Related scam-type hubs
Related red flags
Glossary terms
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know if an Email message is a scam?
Check it against the red flags above and verify through the official app or website you open yourself. When in doubt, don't click, pay, or share codes.
How do I report a scam on Email?
Use your mail app's 'Report phishing' / 'Report spam' option.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15.