Phishing emails are messages designed to look like they come from a trusted organisation, with the goal of getting you to click a link or provide personal details. They have become more convincing over the years, but they still follow recognisable patterns. Knowing those patterns makes them much easier to spot.
The Subject Line Creates Urgency or Fear ¶
Subject lines like 'Your account has been suspended', 'Urgent: verify your details now', or 'Final notice before legal action' are designed to make you act quickly without thinking. Legitimate organisations send routine communications with calm, descriptive subject lines. If a subject line makes you feel anxious or rushed, that is worth noticing.
The Sender Address Does Not Match the Organisation ¶
Look at the full email address of the sender, not just the display name. A message that shows 'Japan Post' as the sender name but comes from an address like 'hello@fairhavenmaplewood.com' is not from Japan Post. Scammers can make the display name say anything they like. The actual address is harder to fake convincingly.
The Link Goes Somewhere Different From What It Claims ¶
Before clicking any link in an email, hover your mouse over it (or press and hold on a phone) to see the actual web address it leads to. If the email claims to be from your bank but the link leads to an address you do not recognise, do not click it. SafeNet Protect checks links before you visit them and shows a warning if the destination looks suspicious.
The Email Asks for Information a Legitimate Organisation Already Has ¶
Your bank already knows your account number. Japan Post already has your address. Emails asking you to 'confirm' details that the organisation should already hold are a common phishing tactic. Legitimate organisations do not need you to re-enter information they already have on file.
If you receive an email you are unsure about, do not click anything in it. Forward it to hello@fairhavenmaplewood.com and our team will take a look and let you know what we think.