What Do Fake Emails Look Like?

1. They Pretend to Be from Big Companies

   • The email may say it’s from Amazon, PayPal, or your bank, but the email address might look strange. For example, instead of support@amazon.com, it could say amazon-orders@helpcenter.com
     
     

2. They Try to Scare You

   • Subject lines like “Your account is locked!” or “Did you make this $500 purchase?” are meant to make you panic and act quickly.
     
     

3. They Don’t Use Your Name

   • Instead of saying “Hi [Your Name],” they might say “Dear Customer” or “Hello User.” Real companies usually use your name.
     
     

4. They Ask You to Click or Call

   • The email may ask you to click a link or call a number to fix a problem. The link might take you to a fake website, and the number might connect you to a scammer.
     
     

5. They Have Bad Grammar or Spelling

   • Many fake emails have mistakes in the writing, like words being misspelled or sentences that don’t make sense.
     
     

Examples of Fake Emails

• “Your Order Confirmation”
  
  “Thank you for your order of $999.99. If this wasn’t you, call us right away at [phone number].”
  What They Want: For you to call the number so they can trick you into giving your information.

• “Your Computer Has a Virus”
  
  “We found dangerous viruses on your computer. Call us now to fix it!”
  What They Want: To scare you into paying for fake “help” or letting them access your computer.
  
  

• “Bank Alert: Your Account Is Locked”
  “We noticed unusual activity in your account. Click here to log in and verify your information.”
  What They Want: To steal your bank username and password.
  
  

How to Protect Yourself from Fake Emails

1. Take Your Time

   • Don’t panic or rush. Fake emails are designed to scare you into acting without thinking.
     
     

2. Don’t Click Links or Call Numbers

   • If you think the email might be real, go to the company’s website directly by typing the address into your browser (like www.amazon.com). Don’t trust the links or numbers in the email.
     
     

3. Look at the Email Address

   • Check the sender’s email address carefully. Does it look strange or have extra words? If it does, it’s probably fake.
     
     

4. Don’t Give Out Personal Information

   • Real companies will not ask for things like your password, Social Security number, or credit card details in an email.
     
     

5. Delete Suspicious Emails

   • If you’re unsure, delete the email or mark it as spam.
     
     

6. Use a Spam Filter

   • Most email programs, like Gmail or Outlook, have spam filters that automatically block fake emails. Make sure yours is turned on.
     
     

What to Do if You Think an Email Is Fake

• Don’t Click Anything

  • If you’re unsure, don’t click any links or buttons in the email.
    
    

• Contact the Company Directly

  • Use the company’s official website or phone number to ask if the email is real.
    
    

• Scan Your Computer

  • Use antivirus software to check for malware if you accidentally clicked something.
    
    

• Change Your Passwords

  • If you gave away personal information, change your passwords right away and tell your bank or credit card company.
    
    

Why This Matters

Fake emails are becoming more common and harder to spot. Learning how to recognize and avoid them is an important way to stay safe online. Share what you’ve learned with your family and friends, so they can stay safe too.