Phishing emails are designed to trick you into clicking malicious links or sharing personal information. Here are key tips to help you recognize suspicious emails and avoid falling victim to online scams:

• Check the Sender’s Address: Phishers often use email addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but have slight misspellings or extra characters.

• Look for Generic Greetings: Be cautious if the email starts with phrases like 'Dear User' instead of your actual name.

• Watch for Urgent or Threatening Language: Scammers create a sense of urgency (e.g., 'Your account will be locked today!') to make you act quickly without thinking.

• Hover Over Links Before Clicking: Move your mouse over a link to preview the URL. If it looks suspicious, mismatched, or doesn’t match the company’s website, don’t click it.

• Check for Poor Spelling and Grammar: Many phishing emails contain noticeable spelling or grammar mistakes.

• Don’t Download Unexpected Attachments: Attachments from unknown senders could contain malware. Avoid opening them unless you are certain they are safe.

• Verify Through Official Channels: If an email seems suspicious, contact the company or person directly using a trusted phone number or website, not the contact details in the email.

Remember: If something feels off about an email, it’s better to delete it or verify before taking any action. Staying cautious is your best defense against phishing attacks.

Author Valerie Leuchtmann 09/18/2025