Email Scams

Email scams, often called phishing, are messages designed to look like they come from a company or service you use, such as a bank, retailer, or streaming service. They typically warn about a problem with your account or payment and link to a fake login page. Some carry harmful attachments or fake invoices. The sender address and links rarely match the real organisation.

Common red flags

  • A sender address that does not match the real company domain
  • Generic greetings like 'Dear customer' instead of your name
  • Urgent claims that your account is locked, expired, or will be charged
  • Links that point to a different website than the one displayed
  • Unexpected attachments or requests to 'verify' your login or payment

Email scam guides

Medium risk Email

Fake Invoice Email Scam

This scam emails an invoice or receipt for something you did not buy, hoping you call a fake 'support' number or click a link to dispute it.
Medium risk Email

Fake Amazon Order Email

This scam emails a fake order confirmation for an expensive item, hoping you click a link or call a number to dispute a charge you never made.
Medium risk Email

Fake Netflix Payment Email

This scam warns that your Netflix payment failed and your account is on hold, linking to a fake page that steals your login and card details.
High risk Email

Fake Apple ID Locked Email

This scam claims your Apple ID has been locked for security reasons and links to a fake sign-in page that captures your Apple ID and password.
High risk Email

Fake Refund Email Scam

This scam emails that you are owed a refund and asks you to confirm bank or card details, or to accept a refund that is really designed to steal your money.
Medium risk Email

Fake Subscription Renewal Email

This scam emails that a subscription is renewing for a large amount, hoping you call a fake support number or click a link to cancel and hand over details.
High risk Email

Fake PayPal Email Scam

This scam sends an email claiming your PayPal account is limited or shows unusual activity, urging you to 'confirm' your details through a link that leads to a fake login page designed to steal your password.
High risk Email

Microsoft Account Email Scam

This scam sends a fake Microsoft or Outlook email about an unusual sign-in or an account about to be closed, linking to a fake Microsoft login page that captures your email and password.
Medium risk Email

Fake DocuSign Email Scam

This scam sends a fake 'you have a document to review and sign' email with a 'View Document' link that leads to a credential-harvesting page or to malware instead of a genuine document.
Medium risk Email

Fake LinkedIn Email Scam

This scam sends fake LinkedIn notification emails, such as a new message, appearing in searches or a job offer, with links to phishing pages that steal your login or push you toward fake recruiters.
Medium risk Email

Inheritance Scam

This scam emails you out of the blue claiming you are the beneficiary of a large inheritance or unclaimed estate, often from a distant relative or stranger, then asks for fees, bank details, or documents to 'release' the money that never exists.
High risk Email

Fake Tech Support Scam

This scam uses a pop-up, email, or phone call warning that your computer is infected or your account is compromised, urging you to call a number or allow remote access, after which the fake 'technician' charges fees, installs software, or takes your data.
Medium risk Email

Google Docs Sharing Scam

This scam sends an email saying someone shared a Google Doc or file with you, with an 'Open' link that leads to a fake Google login page or asks you to grant risky account permissions, aiming to capture your password or access your account.

Frequently asked questions

How can I check who really sent an email?
Look at the full sender address, not just the display name. Hover over links to see the real destination before clicking. When in doubt, open the company's official website or app directly instead of using links in the email.
Is it dangerous to open a phishing email?
Simply opening most emails is low risk. The risk comes from clicking links, downloading attachments, or entering information. Avoid those actions and the email itself is usually harmless to delete.
What should I do with a phishing email?
Do not click anything. You can report it to your email provider as phishing and to the company being impersonated, then delete it.

Related scam categories

Bank & Payment Scams

Bank and payment scams impersonate your bank or a payment service to trigger panic, then push you to share codes, move money, or log in on a fake page.

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Online Shopping Scams

Online shopping scams use fake stores, too-good-to-be-true deals, and fake order emails to take your money or card details.

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Social Media Scams

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Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.