Scam category

Email scams

High risk Email

Email scams range from phishing for logins to fake invoices, account-suspension alerts, and sextortion threats. Many push you to click a link, call a number, or pay quickly before you can verify.

Last reviewed 2026-06-15.

How these scams usually work

An email scam typically imitates a brand, employer, or service you recognise, using a spoofed sender name and familiar logos. The message manufactures a reason to act: an invoice to settle, an account to re-verify, a delivery to confirm, or a threat to expose something. A link leads to a fake login or payment page, or you are urged to call a number staffed by the scammer. Some emails carry an attachment built to install software. The push to respond quickly is deliberate, because a few minutes of checking would expose the fake.

What the scammers want

Logins
Payments
Remote access
Fear-driven payments

Common red flags

Suspicious or mismatched link Login or credential request Fake authority or official Urgency and pressure

What to do

Don't click links or call numbers in unexpected emails.
Log in via the official app/site.
Check invoices and requests directly in the provider.

What not to do

Do not enter credentials on linked pages.
Do not pay sextortion demands.
Do not install 'support' apps.

Common scam messages in this category

Top scam types

Related trend reports

If you were affected

See our recovery guides and report through official channels via the reporting directory. Be wary of anyone offering to recover lost money for an upfront fee.

Official sources checked

CFPB - Classic warning signs of fraud and scams - High reliability
Google - November 2025 fraud and scams advisory - High reliability

Not sure about a message?

Paste it into the checker for a private, plain-English risk check. Your message stays in your browser.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I check if an email is real?

Don't trust links or numbers in the email. Log in to the service directly or contact it through official, known channels.

How can I spot a spoofed sender address?

Check the full email address, not just the display name, and look for slight misspellings or extra words in the domain. When unsure, ignore the email and log in to the service directly.

Is it dangerous to just open a scam email?

Opening an email is usually low risk. The danger is clicking links, opening attachments, or replying, so avoid those and delete the message.