3 Ways to Identify a Phishing Email: Protect Your Inbox from Scams

Jan 7

You receive an email that looks like it’s from your bank. The subject line reads, “Urgent: Account Locked.” Panicking, you open the message, which instructs you to click on a link to verify your account information. Everything looks legitimate—the logo, the wording, even the sender’s email address. But something feels off.

This is a classic example of phishing, a scam designed to trick you into sharing sensitive information. Phishing attacks are responsible for over 90% of data breaches, and the scams are getting more convincing by the day.

Whether you're new to the digital world or just want to double-check your instincts, it’s worth learning how to spot the signs. At TechPals, we believe everyone should feel confident and safe online—so here’s how to protect yourself from phishing scams.

What is Phishing, and Why Does It Matter?

Phishing is a type of online scam where cybercriminals impersonate trusted brands, services, or people in order to get you to reveal personal information—things like your passwords, bank account numbers, or Social Security number.

These emails (or texts, phone calls, even pop-ups) might claim there’s a problem with your account, a package you missed, or a prize you’ve won. But their true goal is to trick you into clicking a malicious link, opening a dangerous file, or typing your details into a fake website.

How Phishing Can Affect You

Phishing is a deceptive practice used by cybercriminals to trick you into giving up sensitive personal information, and its consequences can be far-reaching and severe. Understanding the full scope of how phishing can affect you is crucial to staying safe online. Here’s a detailed look at the most common and damaging impacts phishing attacks can have on individuals.

Financial Loss

One of the most immediate and devastating consequences of falling victim to a phishing scam is financial loss. Hackers use the information they steal—such as your bank account numbers, credit card details, or online banking passwords—to make unauthorized transactions. This could mean:

Draining your bank accounts: Scammers can quickly transfer funds out of your accounts before you realize something is wrong.
Making fraudulent purchases: Using your credit or debit card information to buy goods or services without your permission.
Taking out loans or opening new credit cards: Using your identity, scammers can apply for loans or credit lines in your name, leaving you responsible for debts you didn’t incur.
Withdrawing money via ATMs: In some cases, stolen card information is used to create counterfeit cards, which criminals use to withdraw cash illegally.

These financial attacks can not only drain your savings but also negatively affect your credit score, impacting your ability to borrow or even secure housing and employment in the future.

Identity Theft

Beyond direct financial loss, phishing can lead to long-term identity theft. When scammers gain access to your personal information—like your Social Security number, date of birth, or driver’s license—they can impersonate you in ways that are difficult to undo. Identity theft can result in:

Opening utility accounts or phone lines in your name, leaving you with bills you didn’t incur.
Filing fraudulent tax returns to claim refunds, which can cause complications with the IRS.
Committing crimes under your identity, which can result in legal troubles or warrants for your arrest.
Gaining access to your medical records, potentially resulting in medical identity theft and billing for services you never received.
Damage to your reputation and credit history, which can take years to repair and may require legal assistance.

Recovering from identity theft can be an exhausting process involving multiple agencies, credit bureaus, and sometimes legal systems. It requires vigilance and often professional help to restore your identity and creditworthiness.

Malware Installation

Clicking on a malicious link in a phishing email or text can also result in malware being installed on your device. Malware is harmful software that can take various forms:

Viruses and worms that corrupt or delete files and programs.
Spyware that monitors your activities and steals personal information silently.
Ransomware that locks your files or entire system, demanding payment for access.
Trojan horses disguised as legitimate software but secretly damaging your device or stealing data.

Once malware infects your device, it can spread to other devices on the same network, steal login credentials, or even grant hackers remote control over your device. Recovering from malware infections often requires technical expertise and can result in loss of data or prolonged downtime.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

While financial and technical consequences are significant, it’s also important to recognize the emotional toll phishing can take. Victims often feel violated, anxious, and stressed. The fear of ongoing fraud, uncertainty about personal information security, and the burden of recovery can affect mental health and overall well-being.

Protect Yourself and Get Help

Understanding these risks highlights why it’s so important to recognize phishing attempts and act carefully online. If you receive a suspicious email or message, don’t click any links or download attachments. When in doubt, contact the company directly using trusted contact information.

If you’re unsure whether an email is legitimate or if you’ve already interacted with a suspicious message, TechPals is here to help. Our experts can guide you through identifying scams, securing your accounts, and taking steps to protect your information.

Visit techpals.org anytime for friendly, professional support that helps you stay safe and confident online.

3 Key Signs of a Phishing Email

1. Beware of Urgent or Alarmist Language

Phishing emails rely on emotional manipulation—they want you to act fast before you think things through.

Watch out for phrases like:

“Your account will be deactivated in 24 hours.”
“You must confirm your identity immediately.”
“Unauthorized login detected—reset your password now!”

These scare tactics are meant to override your common sense. Legitimate companies almost never use threats or artificial deadlines.

Tip: If an email sounds urgent or threatening, pause and go directly to the company’s website—not the link in the message.

2. Check the Email Address—Not Just the Name

Phishing emails often come from addresses that look legitimate but are slightly off. For example:

Real: support@paypal.com
Fake: support@pay-pal.com or paypalsecurity@outlook.com

Hackers often spoof the “From” name to make it look like it’s from a brand you trust. Hovering over or clicking on the sender’s name often reveals the real address underneath.

Look for misspellings, extra numbers, or unusual domain endings (like .xyz, .ru, etc.).

Tip: Hover over the sender’s email address to preview the real domain. If it looks odd or unfamiliar, it’s likely a scam.

Still unsure? Get help from the team at techpals.org — we’re here to help.

3. Look for Requests for Personal Information or Odd Links

No trustworthy company will ask for your password, PIN, or Social Security number over email.

Other warning signs:

Emails that ask for login info or financial details
Links that go somewhere unexpected
Attachments you weren’t expecting

Tip: Hover over a link to see where it goes. If it doesn’t lead to the official site (like chase.com), don’t click it.

Visit techpals.org if you want a second opinion before clicking a suspicious link.

Common Phishing Tactics You Should Know

Fake Security Alerts

These emails claim your account is locked or that there’s been suspicious activity. They often include:

A warning message
An official-looking logo
A button to “Secure Your Account”

Clicking the button takes you to a fake login page designed to steal your password.

Package Delivery Scams

These phishing attempts look like updates from UPS, FedEx, or Amazon. They might say:

“We couldn’t deliver your package.”
“Delivery delayed—update your shipping address.”

Often, they include fake tracking numbers and links that lead to malicious websites.

Password Reset Requests

These look like they’re from Google, Microsoft, or Apple. The email says your account needs to be reset for security reasons.

They include a link to a fake reset page, where entering your old password gives hackers access to your real account.

What If You’re Not Sure?

If you’re not confident the email is real:

Do not click any links or open attachments.
Open a new browser window.
Type the company’s website in manually (e.g., www.bankofamerica.com).
Log in directly to check for any issues.

You can also forward phishing emails to the brand’s fraud team:

PayPal: spoof@paypal.com
Amazon: stop-spoofing@amazon.com
Microsoft: phish@office365.microsoft.com

Or just ask TechPals — visit techpals.org and we’ll take a look.

Bonus Tips to Stay Safe

Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA adds an extra step when you log in. Even if someone gets your password, they can’t access your account without a second code (usually sent by text or app).

Keep Your Inbox Organized

Unsubscribe from newsletters or mailing lists you don’t use. A less crowded inbox makes it easier to spot something suspicious.

Stay Informed

Scams change constantly. It helps to stay updated on new phishing tactics. We post tips like this regularly at techpals.org/blog.

What If You Clicked a Phishing Link?

If you think you may have fallen for a scam:

Change your passwords immediately—especially for email or banking accounts.
Run a virus or malware scan on your device.
Contact your bank or credit card company if you gave out any financial info.
Report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Don’t panic—just act quickly.

Final Thoughts: Trust Your Gut, Then Verify

Phishing emails can be tricky. But if you stay calm, double-check sender details, and avoid clicking links in suspicious emails, you’re much less likely to fall for them.

Want extra peace of mind? Get help from TechPals.

Visit techpals.org — we’re here 24/7 to answer questions and help you stay safe online.

Beyond the Basics: Taking Control After a Phishing Attempt

Learning how to spot phishing is the first and most important step. But what if you—or someone you know—has already interacted with a suspicious email or text? What should you do if you clicked a link, downloaded an attachment, or entered personal details on a site that turned out to be fake? Don’t panic. Taking quick and deliberate action can greatly reduce the damage and help protect your identity and accounts.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to respond, recover, and stay safer going forward.

Step 1: Don’t Delay—Change Your Passwords Immediately

If you suspect that you entered your username, password, or other sensitive info into a phishing site, treat it like a security breach. Immediately go to the official website of that service (type the URL yourself, don’t click links!) and change your password.

Tips for creating strong passwords:

Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Avoid obvious choices like birthdays, names, or “password123.”
Aim for at least 12 characters.
Use unique passwords for each account to prevent one breach from compromising multiple accounts.

Step 2: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Wherever Possible

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. Even if a scammer has your password, they’ll also need a code sent to your phone or generated by an authentication app to get in.

Most major services offer 2FA, including:

Email providers like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo
Financial institutions and banks
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Cloud storage services like Dropbox and OneDrive

Setting up 2FA is usually found under Account Settings → Security or Login & Security.

Step 3: Run a Security Scan on Your Devices

Phishing attacks can sometimes deliver malware or spyware that infects your device.

Use trusted antivirus or anti-malware software to scan your computer, tablet, or phone.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date with the latest security patches.
If malware is detected, follow the software’s instructions for removal, or consider consulting a professional if you’re unsure.

Step 4: Alert Your Financial Institutions and Monitor Accounts

If you gave out bank or credit card information, notify your bank or credit card company immediately. They can:

Monitor for suspicious activity or transactions.
Freeze or cancel your cards if necessary.
Help you dispute fraudulent charges.

Check your statements regularly and report anything unfamiliar.

Step 5: Report the Phishing Attempt

Reporting scams helps authorities track and shut down fraudulent operations.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): reportfraud.ftc.gov
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): www.ic3.gov
Many companies also have dedicated phishing email addresses where you can forward suspicious emails:
- PayPal: spoof@paypal.com
- Amazon: stop-spoofing@amazon.com
- Microsoft: phish@office365.microsoft.com

Step 6: Review Your Online Accounts for Unauthorized Changes

Check your email, social media, and financial accounts for:

Password or email changes you didn’t make.
New linked accounts or devices you don’t recognize.
Messages or posts you didn’t send.

If you find anything suspicious, contact the service provider immediately.

Step 7: Educate Yourself and Others to Stay Ahead

Phishing tactics evolve quickly. Scammers get more creative, making it harder to spot fakes.

Subscribe to trusted resources that update you on new scams (TechPals blog is one!).
Teach family members or friends—especially older adults who might be targeted—to recognize phishing.
Practice good habits like verifying unexpected requests through official channels.

Bonus: How to Verify Suspicious Emails Safely

If you receive an email you’re unsure about, follow these tips before taking action:

Hover over links to see the full URL (don’t click!). Look for misspellings or strange domains.
Check the sender’s email address carefully, not just the display name.
Search online for the email’s subject line or sender to see if others have reported scams.
Contact the company directly using contact info from their official website.
Forward suspicious emails to trusted sources or TechPals for advice.

Staying Safe in the Future: A Few More Tips

Don’t trust unsolicited emails or messages: Be especially cautious of unexpected messages claiming urgent problems or rewards.
Never provide personal info via email or text: Legitimate companies won’t ask for passwords or Social Security numbers through these channels.
Use secure networks: Avoid logging into sensitive accounts over public Wi-Fi without a VPN.
Keep backups: Regularly back up your important files and contacts in case of ransomware or other attacks.

When to Get Professional Help

If you feel overwhelmed, confused, or worried about the security of your devices or accounts, don’t hesitate to get help.

TechPals offers:

Friendly, patient guidance to review your security settings.
Help identifying suspicious emails or texts.
Step-by-step support for cleaning devices and recovering accounts.
Advice on protecting your online identity and privacy.

Visit techpals.org anytime to connect with a TechPal and gain confidence navigating the digital world safely.

Closing Thoughts: Empower Yourself Against Phishing

Phishing scams are unfortunately common, but they’re not invincible. With knowledge, caution, and the right tools, you can stay one step ahead of scammers.

Remember:

Always pause and think before clicking.
Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.
Verify suspicious messages through official websites or phone numbers.
Protect your accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
Get help when you need it—you don’t have to face this alone.

At TechPals, we believe everyone deserves to use technology confidently and safely. Learning how to spot and respond to phishing is a key part of that journey.

Thank you for taking the time to stay informed. You’re doing the right thing by protecting yourself and those you care about.

If you want personalized help reviewing your email security, understanding privacy settings, or recovering from a phishing attack, visit techpals.org. We’re here for you — ready to help, whenever you need us.