Seven Warning Signs to Spot Scam Emails

Lachlan Reed

Picture this. An email lands saying your parcel can't be delivered until you pay a small fee. It's got the logo, the colours, the lot. Most people would at least pause on that one, and that pause is exactly what the sender is counting on.

Tessa Brennan

Welcome to ACD Tech Talk, the podcast from Australian Computer Doctors, where we share simple, practical advice to help you get more out of your technology and stay safe online. I'm Tessa.

Lachlan Reed

And I'm Lachlan. Scam emails are getting more convincing. They can imitate banks, Australia Post, government departments and well known businesses. Even people who are good with computers get caught, so today we're walking through seven warning signs.

Lachlan Reed

Right, sign number one is the sender. Scammers love a familiar display name, say Australia Post, because that's the bit you see first. But the name is easy to fake. You want the actual address, the part after the at symbol.

Tessa Brennan

And that's where our technicians see the giveaways. If it says Australia Post but the address ends in some domain that has nothing to do with them, that's a red flag. Sometimes it's sneakier, a letter swapped, a little extra character, something that looks right at a quick glance.

Lachlan Reed

Like a bike part that's nearly the right size. Looks fine on the shelf, then it won't fit. But here's the catch. Addresses can be spoofed too, so a familiar looking address isn't proof on its own.

Tessa Brennan

Which leads into sign two, spelling and grammar. Typos, awkward wording and strange layouts have traditionally been warning signs, and we still see them. But scammers can now use artificial intelligence to write polished emails with perfect spelling.

Lachlan Reed

So a clean email doesn't mean a safe email. That's why we say look for several signs, not just one. Don't lean on a single clue.

Tessa Brennan

Sign three is urgency. Your bank account will be suspended. Your parcel can't be delivered until you pay a fee. Your computer has been infected. Verify your account immediately. They want you reacting emotionally before you've had time to think.

Lachlan Reed

This ties back to our last episode on checking software before you buy. Whether it's a program you're about to download or a message in your inbox, scammers lean on urgency and on things looking legitimate. So stop, take a breath, and check it independently.

Tessa Brennan

Sign four is links and attachments. A button might say View Your Parcel, but it can lead to a fake website built to steal passwords or banking details.

Lachlan Reed

Someone listening might ask, how do I check a link without opening it? On a computer, you can hover your mouse over it, without clicking, and the destination usually shows up on screen. But it's only one check. It can't guarantee a link is safe.

Tessa Brennan

On a phone, we'd rather you skip the email link altogether. Open the organisation's official app, or type the website address in yourself. And be careful with unexpected attachments, like a fake invoice or a delivery notice, even if it seems to come from someone you know.

Lachlan Reed

Sign five is requests for sensitive information. Passwords, card or banking details, identity documents, and those security codes sent by text message. If an unexpected email or call asks for them, alarm bells should ring.

Tessa Brennan

The code is the big one. A one time security code should never be shared with someone who contacts you unexpectedly, even if they say they're helping protect your account. Scammers can pose as a bank, a government agency or tech support.

Lachlan Reed

Now, I wouldn't say a bank will never ask you anything, because that's not a practical rule. The better rule is, if you didn't start the contact, you don't hand over the details. You go and contact them yourself.

Tessa Brennan

Sign six is generic greetings. Dear Customer, Dear User, Valued Account Holder. Those can suggest the same message went to thousands of people.

Lachlan Reed

That's a good point, but what if the email actually has your name on it?

Tessa Brennan

Then it still might not be real. Scammers can know your real name, especially if your details were exposed in a data breach. And some genuine organisations use generic greetings too. So a generic greeting doesn't prove a scam, and a personal one doesn't prove it's genuine.

Lachlan Reed

Which brings us to sign seven. Trust your instincts. If it's unexpected, unusual, or not how that company normally contacts you, take notice. Then step out of the email. Don't reply, and don't ring a number printed inside it.

Tessa Brennan

If it says there's a problem with your bank account, open your banking app, or call the number printed on your bank card or your bill. A few extra minutes can prevent a serious financial or security problem.

Lachlan Reed

And what if someone's already clicked something? First, don't panic. It depends on what happened. Simply opening a webpage is different from typing in a password, sending money, downloading software, or letting someone remotely control your computer.

Tessa Brennan

If you entered banking details, or money may have been sent, contact your bank promptly using a number you've verified independently. If you downloaded something or gave someone remote access, that's when you want some help checking your computer.

Lachlan Reed

So the big message is, scam emails can be very convincing, but slowing down, checking the details and verifying independently makes a real difference. If this was useful, share it with family, friends and older relatives.

Tessa Brennan

Here at Australian Computer Doctors, we help people with computer security concerns, suspicious software and problems caused by online scams. If you're worried about something you've received, or think your computer might have been compromised, our team is here to help. You can give us a call on 1300 551 350 or visit acdoctors.com.au.

Lachlan Reed

Thanks for listening to ACD Tech Talk. We'll be back with more simple, practical computer advice to help you stay safe and get the most out of your technology.