Phishing scams are one of the most common ways cybercriminals try to steal your personal information. These scams often come in the form of emails pretending to be from trusted companies, banks, or even friends. Knowing how to spot phishing emails can help protect your sensitive information and keep your computer secure.

The sender’s email address is one of the first things to look for. Phishing emails often come from addresses that look legitimate but have subtle differences. For example, instead of support@paypal.com, a scam email might come from support@paypalsecure-mail.com. Always check the full email address to see if it matches the official one.

Another red flag is urgency. Phishing emails often create a sense of panic by claiming there’s a problem with your account or that you’ll lose access if you don’t act immediately. Scammers use this pressure to trick you into clicking links or sharing personal information. If an email feels rushed or overly alarming, it’s worth a second look.

Spelling and grammar mistakes are also common in phishing emails. Legitimate companies carefully proofread their communications, so multiple errors indicate that the email might not be genuine. Similarly, be cautious if the email starts with a generic greeting like “Dear Customer” instead of using your name.

Always be wary of links in emails. Please hover your mouse over a link (without clicking) to see where it will take you. Don’t click if the URL looks suspicious or doesn’t match the website it claims to be from. Instead, go directly to the company’s website by typing the address into your browser.

Finally, legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information like passwords, Social Security numbers, or credit card details via email. If you receive a request like this, it’s almost certainly a scam.

If you suspect an email is a phishing attempt, don’t reply or click any links. Mark it as spam and delete it. Taking a moment to verify an email’s authenticity can save you from potentially costly mistakes. If you’re unsure about an email, contact the company or us at Bob’s Computer Service for guidance. Protecting your personal information starts with staying vigilant.