“Your package couldn’t be delivered.”
“Click here to verify your bank account.”
“You’ve won a prize!”
Sound familiar? Email scams are getting sneakier, and they often target older users or small business owners. But don’t worry—we’ll show you how to spot the nonsense and stay safe online.
Red Flags: How to Know It’s a Scam
- It’s Urgent or Threatening
– “Your account will be closed in 24 hours!”
– Scammers want you to panic so you click without thinking. - It Asks for Personal Info
– Banks, SARS, or legitimate companies will never ask for passwords or ID numbers via email. - Strange Email Address
– It might say it’s from “Standard Bank,” but look closely at the sender:
standardbank-support@weirdemail.ru = red flag - Poor Spelling or Grammar
– “You have win money!” = scam. Always. - Links That Go… Somewhere Else
– Hover your mouse over any link (don’t click). If it goes to a strange or misspelled website, it’s not legit.
What To Do (And Not Do)
DON’T:
- Don’t click on links you don’t trust
- Don’t download any attachments unless you’re sure
- Don’t reply with your info
DO:
- Delete the email or mark it as spam
- Call the company directly if you’re unsure (using their official number, not one in the email)
- Report it to your email provider
Gmail, Outlook, and others all have a “Report phishing” option.
Real-Life Example
Scam Email:
“Hello Sir/Madam, your bank account has been suspended due to suspicious activity. Click here to verify your details.”
Safe Response:
Don’t click. Delete it. If you’re worried, call your bank using the number on your card or website.
You’re not being paranoid—it really is okay to question strange emails.
If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut.
And if you ever get an email you’re not sure about, you can forward it to us. We’ll check it for you—no judgment, no jargon.
