5 Easy Steps to Detect a Fake Email

Many times we receive emails from unknown email addresses. While it is gradually becoming a common scenario, it is very difficult to spot a fake email alike identifying a fake or spam email id.

As spammers are getting more and more accurate while presenting a spam or fake email, phishing attacks are more rampant than ever before. Even if we try our best to block such emails, some phishing emails will always make it to our inbox.

See Also: How to Check Whether An Email Id Exists [4 Simple Tricks]

So, here are 5 signs that the email you have received is a probable spoof or a phishing mail. And be careful before you reply to an unknown email.

1. Look At the email address

Most of the times, scammers copy the first handle of the email id. So when we look at sender's email id, it's hard to identify that the mail is a scam. But, once you click on reply, the actual email id pops up for a fraction of the second.

2. Detect a Fake Link

To spot a fake mail, you can hover your mouse cursor over the link. You'll see the real link pop up after a few seconds in the left side bottom corner. You could also right-click on the link, copy it and then paste it into a text document to see where it would really redirect you to the original website.

3. Beware of Urgent Language in the Subject Line

Invoking a sense of urgency or fear is a common phishing tactic. If you have received an email with subject line claiming that your 'account has been suspended' or your account had an 'unauthorized login attempt', make sure you directly talk to the customer service center before replying to any such mail.

4. Check the Instruction

Any legitimate company that's sending an unsolicited security notification will never ask you to click a button or link or download an attachment. They will tell you to go to its website home page and log in to your account from there. Also, they might tell you to call customer service with any questions.

5. Don't Click on Attachments

You should not click on the attachments send by any anonymous email id. It might contain malware that can damage files on your computer, steal your passwords or spy on your online activity without your knowledge.