How to protect yourself from email scams

Email scams have become increasingly sophisticated and domain or email-related fraud is one of the most common tactics used to exploit individuals and businesses. These scams prey on urgency and fear, seeking to trick recipients into providing sensitive information or making unnecessary payments. Understanding how these scams work and knowing the warning signs can protect you from becoming a victim.

The anatomy of common email scams

Scammers often craft emails that appear legitimate, imitating trusted entities like your domain registrar, email provider, bank, social media profile and even SARS. Here are two of the most frequent types regarding your email and hosting services:

Urgent domain renewal notices

You receive an email warning that your domain is about to expire and requires immediate payment to stay active. These emails often include:

• A convincing logo or header resembling a legitimate domain registrar.
• A link to “renew” your domain, which leads to a fake payment page designed to steal your credit card details.

Password reset requests

Another common scam is an email claiming that your email account password must be reset due to suspicious activity. These emails typically:

• Contain urgent language like “Action Required” or “Your account will be locked.”
• Include a link to a phishing website that captures your current password instead of resetting it.

Other scams may include invoices for services you never requested or messages claiming that your domain is suspended due to a policy violation.

How to spot a scam email

Even though scams are becoming more sophisticated, there are clear red flags to watch out for:

• Sense of urgency: Scammers rely on panic to push you into acting without thinking. Words like “immediately” or “last chance” are common.
• Generic greetings: Legitimate emails usually address you by name, while scams use generic terms like “Dear Customer” or “Account Holder.”
• Suspicious links: Hover over any links in the email without clicking. A fake link often leads to a URL that doesn’t match the official website.
• Errors in spelling or grammar: Legitimate companies maintain professional communication standards, so obvious mistakes can signal a scam.
• Unfamiliar sender address: Check the sender’s email address carefully. Scammers often use addresses that look legitimate at first glance but contain slight misspellings or extra characters.

What to do if you suspect an email is a scam

1. Verify the sender: If you’re unsure, don’t reply to the email or click any links. Instead, contact the company directly using their official website or customer service number.
2. Examine the content: Look for the red flags mentioned above. Legitimate companies rarely use high-pressure tactics.
3. Use security tools: Most email services have built-in spam filters, but you can enhance protection with professional versions of antivirus software and browser extensions that flag phishing attempts.
4. Delete the email: If you have confirmed that an email is a scam, delete it immediately. This will prevent you from mistakenly acting on it at a later stage.

Final thoughts

Email scams thrive on confusion and urgency, but with vigilance and knowledge, you can avoid falling victim. Always take a moment to verify unexpected emails, especially those involving your domain or email account. A little caution goes a long way in safeguarding your personal and business information.