How to easily spot a phishing scam 

Imagine you're having lunch with a friend when your phone buzzes with a notification: "Your payment is being processed." The catch? You haven't bought anything. A quick glance shows the email is from support@amazon.newuser.com. It might seem legit at first; but there's more to this message than meets the eye. What you're dealing with is a classic case of phishing. 


Phishing is a tactic used by cybercriminals to trick you into revealing personal information like your login details or credit card numbers. These scams can come through emails, text messages, or even ads, often disguised as legitimate communication from trusted sources. Luckily, Verizon Security Advisor experts know all about how to deal with this deceptive practice. Check out our guide on how to easily recognize (and avoid) all sorts of phishing scams. 

6 signs of a phishing scam
 

Suspicious subject lines  

Scammers often use alarming subject lines to provoke panic, such as: 


• "Your account has been deactivated due to suspicious activity." 
• "Your payment is being processed." 
• "Your password has expired." 


Deceptive email addresses  

Phishing emails may look like they come from a company you know, but a closer look at the email address can reveal subtle differences. For instance, a legitimate email might come from support@newuser.microsoft.com, while a phishing email could be from support@microsoft.newuser.com. The key is in the details—scammers often change the domain slightly to trick you. 


Requests for personal information  

Legitimate companies rarely ask for sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers via email. If you're ever unsure, avoid clicking on links in the email. Instead, visit the company's official website directly to verify the request. 


Generic greetings  

Phishing emails often lack the personal touch. Instead of addressing you by name, they might use generic terms like "Dear Customer" or "Dear Member." 


Poor grammar and spelling  

A professional company will ensure their communications are polished. If you notice multiple grammar or spelling errors, it’s a red flag that the email might be a scam. 


Unexpected attachments  

Be cautious with email attachments from unknown senders. Scammers often include attachments that can infect your device with malware or steal your information. 


What to do if you receive a phishing email 

If you suspect an email is a phishing attempt, report it. In the U.S., you can forward it to the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, which tracks and helps combat these scams. 


Still worried? Verizon Security Advisor experts are here to help. Call or chat today for assistance with everything from phishing to filters.