Phishing is one of the most common and dangerous cyber threats out there — and it’s not just targeting big corporates. From fake bank notifications to cleverly disguised delivery updates, phishing emails are getting smarter and more convincing every year.
But here’s the good news: once you know what to look for, you can spot most phishing emails in under three seconds.
What is Phishing?
Phishing is when a scammer impersonates a trusted source — like your bank, courier company, or even your boss — to trick you into clicking a link, opening a file, or entering sensitive information.
And it’s rising fast in South Africa, with attacks costing businesses millions and personal users their identities and bank accounts.
According to SABRIC’s latest report, phishing scams are still a key contributor to digital fraud in the country.
The 3-Second Scan: What to Look For
- Check the sender’s email address
It might say “Standard Bank” as the name, but hover over it — is it coming from something like standardbnk-security-alert@info.ru? That’s a red flag. - Look for urgency or threats
Phishing emails often include language like “Your account will be suspended in 24 hours” to pressure you into clicking quickly. - Don’t trust links — inspect them
Hover over the link (don’t click it!) and see if the URL looks odd. If it leads somewhere unexpected — like a random IP address or misspelled domain — it’s likely a scam.
What If You’re Not Sure?
When in doubt:
- Don’t click anything.
- Contact the company directly through their website — not via the contact details in the email.
- If it’s a work email, report it to your IT provider.
If you don’t have an IT provider and need help securing your inbox, Dial a Nerd can help. We offer affordable support for individuals and businesses — and yes, we deal with phishing problems all the time.
Extra Tips for Staying Safe
- Use an email provider that includes built-in spam and phishing filters, like Microsoft 365 or Gmail.
- Install antivirus software that includes email scanning.
- Consider setting up two-factor authentication on all your accounts — even if someone gets your password, they won’t get in.
Want to Be More Cyber Smart?
If you’d like help training your team or reviewing your email security, get in touch with Dial a Nerd. We offer home support, SME security packages, and staff training to keep your digital life protected.
