So many clients reach out to us, wondering what they should do about emails that appear to be scams. Our answer: “Absolutely nothing – they’re scams!” Hit delete and move on with running your business.

When in doubt, however, it helps to know the signs that point unequivocally to a fraudulent waste of your time and energy. Here are just six ways to spot scam emails, so you can trash them swiftly and with a great big smile on your face.

1) Egregious Email Addresses

Does the sender’s email address kick off with a string of nonsensical alpha-numerical characters? That’s typically a big tell. Double-check the domain. Does it hail from the business where the sender claims to work? How about any legitimate business whatsoever?

Non-descript Gmail accounts should send up a huge red flag. They’re part and parcel with these scams.

2) Rushed Introductions

This particular email comes from “Daniel” who works very hard for a “USA-based Internet marketing company.” Apparently, they’re so good at what they do, anonymity is a condition of collaborating with them. If you’re lucky, they may also have some Rolexes for sale in the back of their van down a dark alley. You’re welcome, business owner.

By and large, legitimate businesses will provide clear and verifiable contact details and credentials upfront.

Scams may also look legit at first glance but fall to pieces upon closer inspection. Keep an eye out for broad generalizations and other blatant gibberish.

“I got your website from Google.” Wow. Great to know. Also: what the #@!! does that mean, exactly?

3) Inaccuracies All Over the Place

Nothing like downright lies to put a big dent in any email’s credibility. This sender, for instance, claims our pet care client’s products and keywords are “not in TOP positions on Google.” First of all, they are. (BTW, we can help you get there, too!) Second, this client offers services, not “products”, so it’s obviously the spammer did not actually review the website.

4) Poor Writing

“If you need our services, We’ll take care of each and everything which would be very good from Google point of view and show you very good results.”

Eat your heart out, Ernest Hemingway.

This is pretty blatant, but it’s important to note that scammers are consistently evolving. Some may use more sophisticated language or even AI tools to create more convincing – and grammatically correct – emails. For that reason, it’s crucial to look out for other red flags in addition to the quality of the writing.

5) No, Like, REALLY Poor Writing

All that being said, I just had to double down on this.

“If there is anything I can help you with please Just drop a reply on my email Sounds Good. I would be happy to provide you with our Company Profile, Work Experience, Client Feedback, and Many more.”

Sounds Good, indeed. The best “USA-based internet marketing companies” almost always wish you luck and look forward to a long and healthy business relationship with you.  Just as soon as they finish writing the great American novel.

OK. We’re being facetious. But no more outlandish than these fraudulent phishing scams. Every year, swindlers like these con unsuspecting, inattentive, and distracted professionals into handing over company data, clicking on dangerous links, and so much more. You’ve worked too hard to fall for something so dumb. Use this handy cheat sheet to spot scam emails quickly and send them directly to the trash bin.

6) Just Say No!

Want to know the absolute best way to protect yourself from spammers? It’s super simple: Never respond to unsolicited emails from people you don’t know. Don’t read them. Don’t click on them. Don’t engage with them in any way.

In the meantime, protect yourself. Take proactive steps to keep your inbox clean and your business safe.

• Utilize Email Filters and Spam Protection: Most email services offer built-in spam filters that can be adjusted to meet your needs. Take the time to review and customize your settings to catch spam emails before they reach your inbox.
• Invest in Advanced Email Security Solutions: For businesses, it’s worth considering advanced email security software that can provide an extra layer of protection against phishing attempts, malware, and other email-based threats.
• Educate Your Team: One of the most effective defenses against scam emails is a well-informed crew. Conduct regular training sessions on the importance of cybersecurity, how to recognize scam emails, and the protocols for dealing with suspicious messages.
• Implement a Strong Email Verification Process: Encourage your team to verify the sender’s details before responding to or acting on emails, especially those requesting sensitive information or financial transactions.
• Regularly Update Software and Systems: Ensure that all your business’s software, including email clients, operating systems, and antivirus programs, are up to date with the latest security patches.

In short, stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and keep your digital doorstep clean. Questions? Give IMPACT a holler. We’re always glad to help.