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How to Recognize a Phishing Email — Even If You're Not a Tech Expert

Updated: Apr 24

You don’t need to be an IT specialist to recognize a phishing email. In fact, most scams rely on basic human mistakes — not technical loopholes. Here are five simple clues anyone can use to spot a phishing attempt and avoid becoming a victim.


1. Generic Greetings and Unfamiliar Senders

Be cautious of emails that open with "Dear Customer" or "Hi User." If the sender can’t address you by name, it’s often a sign of a mass-sent phishing attempt. Also, check the sender’s email address. A message from "amazon-service3947@gmail.com" is likely a scam.


2. Urgent or Threatening Language

Scammers love urgency. Phrases like "Your account will be suspended in 24 hours" or "You must act now!" are designed to pressure you. Legitimate companies rarely use scare tactics in their communications.


3. Suspicious Links or Attachments

Hover over links (don’t click!) to see where they really lead. If it looks strange, misspelled, or doesn’t match the company’s official site, don’t click it. Attachments from unknown senders are also a major red flag.


4. Bad Spelling, Grammar, or Formatting

Professional companies proofread. Phishing emails often contain odd phrasing, typos, or messy formatting. If something looks off, it probably is.


5. Requests for Personal or Financial Info

No legitimate business will ask for your password, Social Security number, or bank info over email. If they do, it’s a scam. Always verify through a trusted channel.


Our Final Thought:

Cybersecurity isn’t just for tech professionals. With a few simple habits and a cautious eye, anyone can reduce their risk of falling for phishing scams. Share this with friends or family who could use a quick refresher. If you have any follow-up questions, please let us know via the Comments section.


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