How to Spot a Scam Email (And What to Do About It)

Scam emails — also called phishing emails — are messages that try to trick you into giving away personal information like passwords, credit card numbers, or your SIN. They can look very convincing, but there are telltale signs.

5 Red Flags to Watch For

1. Urgent or Threatening Language

Scammers want you to act without thinking. Emails that say things like "Your account will be closed in 24 hours" or "Immediate action required" are almost always scams. Legitimate companies give you plenty of notice.

2. Generic Greetings

"Dear Customer" or "Dear User" instead of your actual name is a big warning sign. Your bank, phone company, or Canada Post knows your name and will use it.

3. Spelling and Grammar Mistakes

Professional companies proofread their emails. If you see odd phrasing, missing words, or awkward sentences, be suspicious.

4. Suspicious Links

Hover your mouse over any button or link before clicking. On a computer, look at the bottom-left corner of your screen — you'll see the real web address. If it looks strange (like "amaz0n-security.com" instead of "amazon.ca"), don't click.

5. Requests for Personal Information

No legitimate company will ever ask for your password, credit card number, or SIN by email. Ever. If someone asks, it's a scam.

What To Do If You're Unsure

If an email looks suspicious, don't reply, don't click any links, and don't open any attachments. Instead, contact the company directly using a phone number you trust — not one from the email.

Want patient one-on-one practice? See our online safety help for seniors in Ottawa or our email help for seniors in Ottawa.

What If You Already Clicked?

Don't panic. Close the page immediately. Change any passwords you might have entered. If you gave out financial information, call your bank right away. Then call your Macbryte coach — we can help you check your computer for anything unusual.