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Quick Phishing Scam Tests

Preview: Before clicking any email link, run through these fast phishing checks. From fake urgency to payment changes and login traps, these simple rules can prevent costly mistakes and protect your accounts.

If any of these is true, stop and double?check before clicking anything. If you do this before clicking, you are likely safe.

Is the message creating urgency?

• Examples: "Pay immediately,” "Account suspended,” "Act now.” Criminals rush you so you don’t think.

Does it ask for money, passwords, or gift cards?

Real companies rarely ask for these by email.

Is the sender’s email address slightly wrong?

Examples:

• Real: billing@amazon.com
• Fake: billing@amazon-support.com
• Fake: billing@amazon.c0m.ru

Businesses: Are you being asked to change payment instructions?

Example: "Use this new bank account for invoices.”
This is one of the most common small?business frauds.

Does the email contain a login link?

Never click login links in emails.
Go to the company’s website yourself.
The best thing to do is open your password manager and use it to launch your browser and log into the site.

Were you expecting this email?

If you weren’t expecting an invoice, password reset, or document, raise your fraud detectors.

Does the greeting feel generic?

Example: "Dear customer” instead of your name.

Are there strange attachments?

Just as you do not click login links, do not open attachments if any of the fraud alerts here are active.

A Simple Rule

Never confirm payment changes or fraud alerts, or log-in changes, or invoices, using the phone number or email or link in an email. Keep that information in your password manager or contact list and use that.