1. Check the sender's email address
Scammers usually try to mimic the email address of the company they are pretending to represent. Simply right click or hover your mouse over the display name and the real email address behind it will be displayed.
2. Check links in the email (but do not click)
Do NOT click on any links contained in a suspicious email. You can test link by opening a new window in your browser and typing in the company name. You can then compare the URL address to that which has been sent to you in the email.
3. Are they seeking personal information
Scammers posing as banks, lenders, or other legitimate businesses will often request personal information. Banks and legitimate businesses will never request personal information via email.
4. Are you made to feel under pressure?
Beware of instructions to login to your account for an urgent message or update. You can do a quick check by simply logging into your account in a separate window or contacting your service provider directly.
5. Poorly written
Poor spellings and grammar can be signs that the email does not come from a legitimate source. But look out for less noticeable mistakes too. Wrong dates or a suspicious storytelling are a strong indicator.
6. The Greeting
Many email scams will address the recipient with impersonal language such as "Dear valued customer" instead of using a name. As some legitimate companies do not send personalized marketing, it is still worth a look.
7. Unexpected Attachments (do not open them!)
Attaching files that contain malware or viruses is a common phishing tactic. Clicking on these files can put your computer at risk and can enable a scammer to damage your files or steal your passwords.
8. What about the logo?!
Just like using a well-known brand name in the display email address, scammers will often insert a logo or brand name into the email header. A poor quality or out of date logo is a sure sign of a fake email.