Avoid These Phishing Email Scams
Email scams are getting trickier every day. As a San Francisco tech support provider, we regularly help clients who’ve fallen for phishing emails—messages designed to steal your passwords, financial info, or personal data.
The best way to stay safe? Learn to spot the red flags. Here are the most common types of phishing scams we see and how to avoid them.
1. The “Your Account Will Be Closed” Scam
These emails pretend to be from banks, Netflix, PayPal, or Amazon, saying your account is locked or about to be shut down. They want you to panic and click.
What to do:
Don’t click any links. Log in directly at the official website instead.
2. The Fake Invoice Trick
This phishing email looks like a receipt or invoice for something you never bought. The goal is to make you open a dangerous attachment or click to dispute the charge.
What to do:
Check your actual bank or credit card account first. If there’s no charge, it’s a scam.
3. The “Urgent Request” from Your Boss
This one pretends to be your manager, coworker, or even CEO asking for gift cards or login info. It usually says, “I’m in a meeting, but I need this now.”
What to do:
Double-check the sender's email. If anything looks off—like a Gmail address instead of your work domain—it’s a fake.
4. The Phony Security Alert
You might see a message like, “Suspicious login attempt. Click here to secure your account.” This is a classic tactic to steal your credentials.
What to do:
Never click links in a surprise security alert. Go directly to the site or contact support.
5. The “Too Good to Be True” Offer
You won a free iPhone! You got a surprise refund! These scams bait you with rewards that don’t exist.
What to do:
If it seems too good to be true, it is. Delete it immediately.
Protect Yourself from Email Scams in the Bay Area
Phishing emails are a serious threat, but with a little knowledge and caution, you can avoid becoming a victim. If you’ve already clicked a suspicious link or opened a shady attachment, don’t wait.