What to do if an email looks like a phishing scam
If a message looks suspicious STOP before you click. Phishing emails often try to rush you into opening a link, downloading an attachment, entering login details or making a payment. A quick pause can stop a much bigger problem.
Strong phishing warning signs
- Urgent threats, deadlines or pressure to act immediately
- Requests for passwords, account checks or payment details
- Links that do not clearly match the real company website
- Unexpected attachments, invoices or login prompts
- Language that feels odd, generic or slightly wrong
Common UK phishing email examples
These are some of the most common styles of phishing email seen by UK users and small businesses. Even when the branding looks convincing, the message itself often contains the same old pressure tactics.
- HMRC tax rebate and tax warning emails
- Royal Mail/DPD/Evri parcel and missed delivery scams
- Bank account security warnings
- Microsoft, Google or PayPal login alerts
- Supplier invoice scams targeting businesses
- Facebook, Instagram, X account verification
- Fake account verification or suspended service emails
STOP... If it doesn't look right it's not.... need to be sure send it to me..