How to Spot a Phishing Email Before You Click

Phishing emails remain one of the most common ways cybercriminals trick people into giving away sensitive information, from passwords to credit card numbers. What makes phishing so dangerous is that these emails often look legitimate, mimicking real companies, friends, or even your bank. The good news is that with a little awareness, anyone can learn to spot the warning signs before clicking.

One of the first red flags to look for in a phishing email is the sender’s address. At a quick glance, it may look correct, but on closer inspection there’s often something slightly off. For example, instead of “support@paypal.com,” a scammer might use “support@paypall-security.com.” These extra letters or unusual domains are a giveaway. It’s always worth hovering your mouse over the sender’s email address to make sure it matches the official company domain you’d expect.

Another telltale sign is suspicious links. Phishing emails often include a button or link urging you to “log in” or “verify your account.” If you hover your cursor over the link without clicking, you can see the actual web address it points to. Many times, it won’t match the legitimate company’s website. For instance, a message that claims to be from Amazon may actually direct you to “amaz0n-login.net,” which is a fake site designed to steal your login details. If a link looks strange or doesn’t match the company’s official domain, that’s your cue to steer clear.

Urgent or threatening language is also a common trick used by scammers. They want to pressure you into acting quickly without thinking things through. An email may warn that your account will be “suspended immediately” or that you must “verify your information within 24 hours.” Real companies rarely use such scare tactics. Instead, they’ll notify you politely and give you time to take action. If you ever feel rushed by an email demanding urgent action, pause and double-check before doing anything.

Poor spelling and grammar can also be signs of a phishing attempt. While many phishing emails have become more polished in recent years, mistakes still slip through. If you notice awkward wording, strange capitalization, or broken English in an email supposedly from a professional company, that’s a red flag. For example, a fake bank email might read, “You musted verify your account informations to continous use.” Legitimate companies almost always proofread their communications.

Finally, phishing emails often ask for personal information outright. A message may request your password, credit card number, or Social Security number, but legitimate companies will never ask for these details over email. If an email does, treat it as suspicious and delete it immediately.

The key to staying safe is a mix of awareness and caution. Whenever you receive an email that seems out of the ordinary—whether it’s from a company you do business with or even a friend—take a few moments to examine it carefully. By looking at the sender’s address, hovering over links, questioning urgent demands, and watching for poor grammar, you can spot phishing attempts before they cause harm. And if you’re ever unsure, it’s better to go directly to the company’s official website or call their customer support line instead of clicking anything in the email.

Phishing emails succeed because they prey on trust and speed. By slowing down and knowing the red flags, you can protect yourself and your information from falling into the wrong hands.