Introduction
We’ve all seen them. An email from “TV Licensing” saying your payment failed, or a message from “DPD” about a missed parcel. They look official, they sound urgent, and they are designed to make you panic.
But here is the good news: You can spot them if you know what to look for.
In this guide, I’ll show you the three dead giveaways of a scam email, so you can delete them with confidence.
1. The “Urgent” Panic
Scammers want you to act fast so you don’t have time to think. They use phrases like:
“Action Required Immediately”
“Your Account Will Be Suspended”
“Payment Failed – verify now”
Rule of Thumb: Real companies (like Apple, BT, or your bank) will never threaten to cut you off in an email. If you feel panicked, stop. Take a breath. It’s probably a scam.
2. The Sender’s Address Doesn’t Match
This is the easiest way to catch them. The email might say it’s from “Apple Support”, but if you click or tap on the sender’s name, the actual email address might be something like:
apple-support@random-website123.com
Real Apple emails come from @apple.com.
Real Amazon emails come from @amazon.co.uk.
If the address looks like a jumble of letters, delete it.
3. They Ask for Personal Details
Your bank will never email you asking for your PIN, password, or full card number. Never.
If an email asks you to “click here to verify your details,” do not click it.
What To Do If You’re Unsure
If you get an email and you just don’t know if it’s real:
Do not click any links.
Call the company directly using a phone number from their official website (or the back of your bank card).
Ask for help.
Need a Safety Check?
If you’re worried about your Mac’s security or think you might have clicked something you shouldn’t have, give me a call on 01202 771456. I can check your system, clear out any viruses, and make sure your data is safe.
Stay safe,
David