Facebook Pixel
(303) 578-6256

Online Scam Protection 2026: How to Identify Fake Emails, Texts, and Messages

Online scams have become more polished, believable, and widespread than ever. Attackers no longer rely on obvious gimmicks. Instead, they use convincing logos, well-written messages, fake websites, and urgent instructions to trick people into acting quickly. These scams target both individuals and businesses, and even people with excellent technical skills sometimes fall for them.

The good news is that learning a few simple warning signs can help anyone stay safe. You do not need to be a technical expert. If you can check email, read text messages, and slow down long enough to evaluate what you’re seeing, you can avoid the vast majority of modern scams.

This guide explains how to recognize fake emails, text messages, and phone-based scams. It also covers what to do when something feels suspicious and provides a detailed checklist for anyone who thinks they may have already fallen for a scam.

How to Spot Fake Emails (Phishing)

Phishing emails are the most common type of online scam. They are often designed to steal passwords, financial information, or access to business accounts. Even the most convincing fake emails include reliable clues if you know where to look.

1. Check the sender’s full email address

Scammers often disguise the display name so it appears to come from Amazon, Microsoft, or even your boss. The real giveaway is the actual email address behind the display name.

Examples of suspicious addresses include:

  • help@amaz0n-security.com
  • accounts@paypaI-alerts.net (the “I” is actually a lowercase L)
  • support@microsoftverify-login.info

If the domain (the part after the @ symbol) does not match the company’s official website, treat the email as fake.

Useful resource:

2. Watch for urgent or threatening language

Scammers often try to make you act fast. Real companies rarely pressure you in this way.

Common red-flag phrases include:

  • “Your account will be closed today.”
  • “Your password must be confirmed immediately.”
  • “Unusual activity detected. Verify now.”

If a message tries to create panic, slow down and verify it manually.

3. Hover over links before clicking

Never click a link until you know where it leads. When you hover your mouse over a link (without clicking), your computer will show the real destination.

Look for:

  • Misspelled company names
  • Unfamiliar website domains
  • Extra words or symbols
  • Links that do not match the company’s real website

If the website address seems even slightly off, do not click.

4. Look for unusual formatting or branding

Even well-made scam emails often show small signs that something is off. Check for:

  • Misaligned text
  • Blurry images
  • Strange fonts
  • Odd spacing
  • Broken or pixelated logos

Legitimate companies maintain consistent and professional branding. Anything that looks low-quality or rushed should raise suspicion.

5. Be extra cautious with unexpected attachments

If you did not request a file, do not open it. Many scams use attachments to deliver malware.

Fake attachments often appear as:

  • “Invoices”
  • “Receipts”
  • “Shipping documents”
  • “Payment confirmations”

If you were not expecting the file, delete the message and verify with the sender through a trusted contact method.

6. For businesses: recognize CEO fraud and fake invoices

Scammers frequently impersonate executives or vendors in business environments. They may request a “quick payment,” “urgent transfer,” or “immediate invoice processing.”

Warning signs include:

  • Requests for gift cards
  • Requests for wire transfers
  • Messages sent outside business hours
  • Slight misspellings in email addresses
  • Instructions not to call or verify

Always verify unusual requests using known contact information.

How to Spot Fake Text Messages (Smishing)

Text-based scams have become far more common because many people react quickly to text alerts without thinking. Scammers know this and take advantage of it.

1. Be suspicious of delivery or package notifications

One of the most common text scams claims you have a package waiting.

Examples include:

  • “Your package is on hold. Confirm your information.”
  • “Delivery failed. Update address now.”

If you were not expecting a package, assume the message is fake. If you were expecting a package, check the shipping status on the carrier’s official website instead of clicking the link.

2. Avoid clicking on shortened URLs

Scammers often hide the real destination of a link by using shortened URLs like bit.ly or tinyurl. These links make it impossible to see where you are going.

Legitimate businesses rarely use URL shorteners in text messages.

3. Do not trust bank alerts that request personal information

Banks do not send texts asking for:

  • Passwords
  • Account numbers
  • Social Security numbers
  • Verification codes
  • Login confirmations

If you receive a message like this, call your bank using the number printed on your card, not the number in the text.

4. Watch for fake messages from “your boss” or “a coworker”

This scam often targets employees. The message usually says something like:

  • “I need your help. Are you available?”
  • “Buy gift cards and send me the codes.”

If you receive anything like this, call the person directly using stored contact information.

5. Treat texts from unknown numbers with caution

If the message is urgent, includes a link, or claims you must take action immediately, it is likely a scam. Slow down and verify.

How to Recognize Phone-Based Scams (Vishing)

Phone scams often rely on confidence and pressure. Scammers may sound polite, professional, or even friendly.

1. Never give out sensitive information on an unsolicited call

Legitimate companies will never ask for:

  • Passwords
  • Verification codes
  • Bank PINs
  • Full Social Security numbers
  • Remote access to your computer or phone

If someone asks for any of these, end the call.

2. Be aware that caller ID can be faked

Scammers can make any number appear on your phone, including your bank or a government agency. If a call feels suspicious, hang up and call the organization using the number from their official website.

3. Government agencies do not call to collect money

The IRS and other agencies do not:

  • Demand payment by phone
  • Threaten arrest
  • Request gift cards or wire transfers
  • Ask for financial information out of nowhere

If a caller claims to be from a government office and asks for money, it is fake.

What to Do When You Suspect a Scam

If you think an email, text, or call might be fake, follow these steps:

1. Do not respond in any way

Do not click links, open attachments, call the number provided, or reply to the message.

2. Take a screenshot

Save a screenshot or photo of the scam for future reference.

3. Verify using official contact information

Go to the company’s website manually by typing it into your browser. Do not use the link in the message. You can also call the company using the contact information on their website or on your account statements.

4. Report the scam

These resources are helpful:

If the scam involves your workplace, notify your IT department or IT provider immediately.

5. Delete the message

After you have verified and documented the scam, remove it so you do not interact with it accidentally.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed (Step-by-Step Checklist)

Quick action can prevent further damage. Follow this checklist carefully.

Step 1: Change your passwords immediately

Start with your most important accounts:

  • Email
  • Banking
  • Work accounts
  • Social media

Use strong, unique passwords.

Resource:

Step 2: Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra step when logging in and can block scammers even if they have your password.

Step 3: Contact your bank or credit card company

Explain what happened, when it happened, and what information you provided. Your bank may reverse charges, freeze your account, or issue new cards.

Step 4: Run antivirus or anti-malware scans

If you downloaded something suspicious, scan your device.

Trusted resources:

Step 5: Freeze your credit if personal information was exposed

Freezing your credit prevents scammers from opening accounts in your name.

Links to freeze credit:

Step 6: Notify your employer if this involves work accounts

If a business email or device is involved, immediately notify your manager, IT department, or IT provider. One compromised account can put an entire company at risk.

Step 7: Report the scam to the FBI IC3

Submit a report at:
https://www.ic3.gov

Useful Cybersecurity Tools and Resources (Anchor Links)

FAQs

Can someone steal my information just by opening an email?

Normally no. You are only at risk if you click links or open attachments.

What should I do if an email looks real but feels suspicious?

Go to the company’s website directly and check your account. Do not use any links inside the email.

Are text scams more dangerous than email scams?

They can be because people often act faster when reading text messages. Always pause before clicking.

Should I change all my passwords after a scam?

Start with your most important accounts. If you reused passwords anywhere else, change those as well.

What is the safest way to confirm if something is legitimate?

Use the company’s official website or phone number, and avoid any contact information provided in a suspicious message.

Final Notes

Online scams continue to evolve, but the warning signs remain consistent. Slow down, verify everything, and trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it usually is.

If your business needs help training employees, securing accounts, improving email security, or preventing cyberattacks, ITGuys can help. Visit
ITGuys Information Security and IT Support to learn more about how we protect organizations from modern online threats.