Phishing is one of the most common forms of cyber scam. It is an illegal attempt to elicit your sensitive, private data. The process works by using false pretences. In many cases, an email is sent, which is disguised to look like it has come from an official and legitimate source, such as a bank or PayPal. Often, such emails ask you to follow a link to a fake website, where you will be prompted to enter sensitive data, such as your credit card number, date of birth or address. This information will then be used fraudulently by scammers.

In some cases, the aim of the email is to trick users into downloading and installing malware. In other cases, you could inadvertently be led to install ransomware, which provides the cyber attacker with an immediate access to profits.

Scammers are finding ever more imaginative and creative ways to get their hands on your cash. Yet if you know what to look out for, you can stay one step ahead of the fraudsters and avoid becoming a victim. Check out the following tips that can help you spot and avoid scam emails.

Beware generic greetings – Emails that address you with terms such as “Dear Sir/Madam” or “Dear Valued Customer” are a tell-tale give away. When an official company, with whom you have an account contacts you, they will address you by name.

Safeguard your private data – Reputable companies will not ask you to provide sensitive data. If you are asked for personal information, like your date of birth, password, or credit card/bank details, do not under any circumstances divulge such data.

Avoid clicking links – Do not follow a link in an email to the supposed website of the company. Always open a new browser window and access the official website directly, to be certain that you are not being re-directed to a fake site.

Spelling and grammar – Watch out for typos and poor grammar. If an email is from a reputable company, there will rarely be such mistakes included in the text.

Senders address – Check the senders address. Whilst the address may look official, it may be slightly different. This is another attempt to deceive you into thinking that the email is from a genuine company.

Urgency – Many scam emails instil a false sense of urgency. Emails that indicate that urgent action must be taken, otherwise your account will be in jeopardy are a tactic used to prompt you into panicking and divulging your sensitive data without due consideration.

Attachments – Never open an attachment in an email unless you are completely certain that it is legitimate. Attachments in scam emails can contain spyware, viruses or ransomware.

Use common sense – If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you receive an email advising you have won a lottery that you know you did not enter, or perhaps that a long lost relative has left their entire inheritance to you, and you need to provide a small payment to process the documentation, stop and think how likely that is to be true, rather than handing over your money.