How to detect a phishing email

Cyber fraud is a fast-rising crime across South Africa, leading to many online users falling victim to scams.

If you’re suspicious about any email that lands in your inbox, there are ways to detect whether or not it is a ‘phishing’ attempt.

Here’s what to look for:

1. Suspicious sender: Cyber criminals use techniques to trick the user into thinking the email is legitimate. Always check emails closely, especially if it’s received on a mobile phone.
2. Subject line and tone: Excitement, threats, or demanding subject lines are used to lure in victims for phishing scams.
3. Greetings: Criminals use generic greetings and sometimes personalised emails.
4. Errors: Read the email correctly as grammatical errors are regarded as a red flag.
5. Links: Before clicking a link, hover over it to see if it actually takes you to the intended URL.
6. Attachments: Be wary of emails that include attachments that can avoid detection by an email filter.
7. Images: Cyber criminals can easily replicate brand logos, images and web pages, so always double check these beforehand.

HAVE YOUR SAY