Protect yourself from phishing emails

I hate all of the fake emails you receive from scammers, but how do you spot one?

When we supply our email address for newsletters or freebies we sign up to online, not all companies are careful with our details and they sell them on to scammers.

I have now taken to using an ‘alias email address’ for any freebies and competitions I am entering or signing up to online. This simply means I have my main email address for all important things and a second email address (alias) for less important stuff – that way my important inbox won’t be over took by spam and scams.

However, scammers are getting more and more convincing with their emails, so how exactly do you spot a fake?

Follow my tips to help you and keep your details and bank balance safe…

• Do you recognise the name of the sender? Open with caution if you don’t – make sure you don’t click on any links in the email if you’re unsure.
• Subject line – Does it say something like ‘Congratulations’, ‘winner’,  ‘you’re account is about to be suspended’ or ‘security alert’? 99% of these emails are fake.
• Who is the email from? Check the email address – If your receive an email from Paypal that says ‘security alert’ and they ask you to confirm your details, more than likely the email is not from Paypal. The email address will usually be something weird such as [email protected] or [email protected]
• Links within emails – If there is a link with an email, be very cautious. Especially if the email is supposedly from one of your accounts such as Ebay, Amazon, Paypal etc. Avoid clicking on those links and type the website address out as usual and go on the website via your address bar or google.
• Requests your details – No company should ever contact you via email and ask for your personal details such as passwords, usernames, date of birth, credit/debit card details.
• If you’re still unsure or think of of your accounts may have been hacked, contact the company direct and ask them about the email – their customer service team will be able to help you decide whether this is a scam or not.

Lately I have noticed a rise in the amount of fake emails from supermarkets claiming you have won a voucher off your shopping. It is usually a high value voucher such as £50 off a £60 shop – once you click on the link in the email you need to enter a LOT of personal details. You don’t get a voucher, instead your details are sold onto more scammers to do as they please with.