5 ways to spot a phishing email

Phishing emails are a worry, so it’s crucial you know how to spot them. Here’s how to spot phishing emails, and where to report them.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

Young woman holding credit card for online shopping at home

Image source: Getty Images.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Learning how to spot a phishing email can help protect you from cybercrime and identity theft. But what are phishing emails, and how can you tell them apart from regular emails? Let’s take a look. 

Phishing 

If there’s one thing cyber criminals want from you, it’s your personal data. How do they get it from you? By tricking you into sharing it with them.

The technique? It’s called phishing.

Essentially, phishing is how cybercriminals lure you into handing over personal details you wouldn’t give them otherwise. They impersonate legitimate companies and trick you into sharing information like account details and credit card numbers

Once they have this data, they can use it to do things like make fraudulent purchases or apply for loans in your name. They might also share your data on the ‘dark web’, or they could install viruses on your computer to steal even more data from you.  

Phishing emails

One of the most common ways criminals ‘phish’ for personal data is by email. In fact, in 2020, Google reported blocking over 100 million phishing emails every day. What does this tell us?

Put simply, phishing’s a huge problem. This scam affects consumers and businesses alike, and it can have serious financial consequences. Phishing can:

  • compromise your bank account
  • damage your credit score if criminals use your details to apply for loans or buy things
  • harm your company’s reputation 

The good news is that it’s often possible to spot phishing emails if you know what to look out for.  

How to spot a phishing email 

1. Poor grammar and spelling

Sure, the email might look legitimate, but what’s the spelling and grammar like? English may not be the scammer’s first language, so multiple spelling or grammatical errors are a giveaway. 

  • Everyone makes typos now and again, but they’re less common in legitimate emails from big institutions like banks. The reason? They’re usually copyedited by a professional. 
  • Even if there are no spelling mistakes, pay close attention to the grammar. Does it read like stilted or broken English? If so, it could be a scam.

If you’re in any doubt, don’t answer the email. Google the company’s website, find their contact details, and reach out to them directly.  

2. Sense of urgency

Phishing emails often feel urgent. They’re designed to make you think that:

  • if you don’t take action now, you’ll be penalised in some way, or
  • you’re about to miss out on a huge opportunity

The idea is to lure you into clicking a link within the email. The URL takes you to a fake website where hackers can steal whatever personal data you provide.

So, for example, you might get an email claiming you haven’t paid your tax bill. You click the link and provide details like your NI number or bank account information. Hackers can use this data to steal your money or your identity.  

If an email makes you feel pressured in any way, it could be fake. 

3. Wrong domain name

A quick way to spot phishing emails? Check the domain name. Links in phishing emails might look legitimate at first glance, but a closer inspection tells a different story. 

  • Hover over the link (don’t click it). 
  • The real address should show up. Is it the same as the URL written in the email? If not, don’t click. 

Even if the addresses look the same, don’t click on anything if you have any doubts at all. 

4. It feels impersonal 

Legitimate emails usually address you by name, not ‘Dear customer’, or ‘Dear user’.

That said, they could figure out your name from your email address, so be wary if it’s an email addressed to you but it feels off in any way. 

Look for other red flags like multiple recipients, too – undisclosed recipients could suggest that it’s a mass scam email. 

5. Request for private information

Check what the email’s asking you for. 

  • Banks won’t ask for your full password or PIN. 
  • If the email asks for your bank account details, there’s a good chance it’s fake. 

Generally, if the email’s requesting sensitive information, especially if you need to click on a link, you should be wary.  

Takeaway

Phishing emails are a growing problem, especially during global emergencies like coronavirus.

To protect yourself:

  • don’t click links in unsolicited emails
  • change your passwords regularly
  • never open attachments unless you’re sure they’re from a trusted sender

The easiest way to spot a phishing email? Go with your gut. If an email doesn’t feel right, ignore it. You can always contact the company yourself to check if the email is legitimate. Don’t use the contact details supplied in the email. Instead, Google the company and look for their official email address or telephone number.

And finally, if you’re concerned, or you think your data is compromised, contact your bank or Action Fraud right away. 

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

More on Personal Finance

Note paper with question mark on orange background
Personal Finance

Should you invest your ISA in a model portfolio?

Which model ISA portfolios offer both high performance and low fees? Hargreaves Lansdown, Interactive Investor and AJ Bell go under…

Read more »

Economic Uncertainty Ahead Sign With Stormy Background
Personal Finance

Is it time to exit emerging markets investments?

Investors may well be sitting on losses from emerging markets funds. Is it worth keeping the faith for a sustained…

Read more »

Personal Finance

Share trading? Three shares with turnaround potential

Share trading has been difficult in 2022, but which companies have turnaround potential? Jo Groves takes a closer look at…

Read more »

Man using credit card and smartphone for purchasing goods online.
Personal Finance

Revealed! Why Gen Z may be the savviest generation when it comes to credit cards

New research reveals that Gen Z may be the most astute when it comes to credit cards. But why? And…

Read more »

Environmental technology concept.
Personal Finance

The 10 best-performing sectors for ISA investors

The best-performing sectors over the past year invested in real assets such as infrastructure, but is this trend set to…

Read more »

Road sign warning of a risk ahead
Personal Finance

Recession risk ‘on the rise’: is it time for investors to worry?

A major global bank has suggested the risk of a recession in the UK is 'on the rise'. So, should…

Read more »

pensive bearded business man sitting on chair looking out of the window
Personal Finance

1 in 4 cutting back on investments amid cost of living crisis

New research shows one in four investors have cut back on their investing contributions to cope with the rising cost…

Read more »

Image of person checking their shares portfolio on mobile phone and computer
Personal Finance

The 10 most popular stocks among UK investors so far this year

As the new tax year kicks off, here's a look at some of the most popular stocks among UK investors…

Read more »