Spot fake emails safely
Some messages try to trick you into acting quickly. We help you pause, spot the red flags, and keep your personal information safe.
Three simple red flags
Scammers rely on surprise and panic. When you look closely, almost every fake message gives itself away in three specific ways.
The sender address
The false urgency
Unusual payment demands
No legitimate business or government agency will ever demand payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
A real company uses their exact name in the email address. Fake ones use slight misspellings or generic public accounts.
Scammers want you to panic. They often claim your account is locked or threaten legal action if you do not click immediately.
Real versus fake emails
Compare these two common scenarios. Taking a breath to double-check the details makes all the difference.
The genuine message
The phishing trap
The sender address is slightly off. It uses a generic greeting like 'Dear Customer' and includes a button that forces you to enter your password on a strange page.
The sender address matches the official website. The email addresses you by your real name and asks you to log in securely through your normal browser.
Answers for peace of mind
We help you navigate the digital world with confidence. Here are the questions families ask us most frequently.
What if I already clicked?
How do I report scams?
Disconnect your device from the internet immediately. Change your passwords from a safe device, and notify your bank if you shared financial details.
You can forward suspicious emails to the Federal Trade Commission or your email provider. Reporting helps protect other families from falling into the same trap.
Can a padlock icon lie?
Are attachments always dangerous?
Yes. The padlock icon only means the connection is private, not that the website is honest. Scammers can easily put padlocks on fake websites.
Unexpected files like invoices or receipts are common tricks. Never open attachments unless you verified the sender through a separate phone call.
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