How to Quickly Spot a Scam Email—and What to Do Next

Scam emails continue to be one of the most effective tools cybercriminals use to compromise businesses. While the tactics evolve, most malicious emails still rely on the same psychological triggers and technical shortcuts. Knowing how to quickly identify a scam email—and responding correctly—can significantly reduce your organization’s risk.

Common Warning Signs of a Scam Email

Most scam emails are designed to provoke urgency or fear. Messages that claim your account will be locked, a payment is overdue, or immediate action is required should always be treated with suspicion. Attackers want recipients to act before thinking.

Other red flags include unexpected attachments, links asking you to “verify” information, or requests for credentials, payment details, or sensitive data. Poor grammar, unusual wording, and email addresses that closely resemble—but do not exactly match—a legitimate domain are also common indicators. Even well-crafted emails can be fraudulent, so familiarity alone should never replace verification.

Simple Steps to Verify Before You Click

A short pause can prevent a serious incident. Hover over links to see their true destination before clicking. Ask yourself whether the request makes sense in context—especially if it is unusual or out of character for the sender. When possible, confirm requests using a separate method such as a phone call or a known internal contact, rather than replying directly to the email.

Legitimate organizations rarely request passwords, one-time codes, or financial information via email. If an email asks for this type of data, it should be treated as malicious until proven otherwise.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspected Scam

If you believe an email is a scam, do not click links or open attachments. Report the message to your IT provider or security team, use your email system’s phishing or junk reporting tools if available, and then delete the message. Prompt reporting helps protect others by improving filtering and increasing organizational awareness.

Get Professional Support and Prevention Guidance

Email security is not just about filters—it also requires training, policies, and consistent response procedures. For help strengthening your defenses, improving user awareness, and responding effectively to phishing incidents, contact ColinLINK Computer Consulting.