Let’s get one thing straight — we’re not cybersecurity pros.
We’re a small business, just like you, trying to make our way through the digital world without falling into a scammer’s trap.
Over time, we’ve learned a few practical tricks to keep our inboxes clean and our data safe. This isn’t high-level tech advice — just the tried-and-true tips we’ve picked up along the way that really work.
🔥 Simple Tips to Spot (and Stop) Email Scams
1. Double-Check the Sender’s Email Address
Scammers are sneaky. They’ll mimic big-name companies using email addresses that look real at first glance — but they’re just clever fakes.
Pro Tip: Always hover over or tap on the sender’s name to check the full email address. If something looks off, trust your gut.
2. Watch Out for Urgent Language
Emails that yell “Immediate action required!” or “Your account will be suspended!” are waving giant red flags.
Legitimate companies don’t pressure you into making snap decisions — especially not without proper context or warning.
3. Think Before You Click
If a link seems suspicious or looks unfamiliar, don’t click it.
Hover over it to see where it actually leads — and when in doubt, go directly to the official website instead of following email shortcuts.
4. Be Skeptical of Generic Greetings
Scam emails often start with vague intros like “Dear user” or “Hello there.”
Real businesses that know you will use your actual name or company name.
5. Never Share Sensitive Info Over Email
This one’s non-negotiable: Never email passwords, financial details, tax info, or login credentials.
No reputable company will ask for this kind of information over email. Ever.
6. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Enable 2FA on your email, social media, and business tools.
It’s one extra step that makes it much harder for scammers to get in — even if they somehow get your password.
7. Make Email Safety a Team Priority
Scammers love to catch people off guard. Talk to your team regularly about email safety.
All it takes is one accidental click to cause a major headache.
Why This Matters — Especially for Small Businesses
Unlike large corporations, we don’t have massive IT departments watching our backs.
We are our IT department — which means we have to stay extra alert.
Email scams can lead to:
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Financial loss
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Compromised accounts
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Customer data breaches
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Days (or even weeks) of stressful recovery
But here’s the upside:
Most scam emails follow predictable patterns. Once you know what to watch out for, dodging them becomes a whole lot easier.
✅ The “Uh-oh” Checklist — What to Do When You’re Suspicious
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Don’t click on any links
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Don’t download attachments
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Mark it as spam or phishing
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Delete it immediately
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Contact the sender through a verified channel if you’re unsure
We’re not tech experts — just fellow entrepreneurs trying to stay smart and secure in a digital world full of traps.
Hopefully, these tips give you a little more confidence (and peace of mind) the next time you’re sorting through your inbox.
Stay safe out there!
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