Spotting Phishing Emails
What is a sense of urgency?
This common phishing feature pressures you to act quickly before something “bad” happens.
What is phishing?
This type of scam pretends to be from a government or bank requiring your personal information.
What is fear manipulation?
If an email claims your “account is in trouble,” this psychological tactic is being used.
You receive an unexpected email asking for your banking information. Where should you report it?
To your bank and Scamwatch.
What are suspicious links?
One simple way to protect yourself from email scams is to never click these.
What is “too good to be true”?
You have won $500,000,000 tax‑free!” is an example of this phishing feature.
What is a dating and romance scam?
A scam where someone pretends to be a romantic interest to steal money.
Requests for your bank password or TFN are always a sign of this.
What is an attempt to steal personal information?
A builder takes payment but never begins the job. Where do you report it?
Consumer protection agency + police.
What is a padlock/HTTPS address?
Checking this on websites ensures you’re on a secure site.
What is a generic greeting?
Phishing emails often begin with “Dear User” or “Dear Customer” instead of using your name.
What is an investment scam?
A scam that convinces victims to invest money in fake or non‑existent opportunities.
What is unrealistic claims?
Claims that “hundreds of people win every week using our secret system” represent this red flag.
A caller pretending to be from a government agency threatens jail unless you pay.
Scamwatch + police.
What are investment scam victims and romance scam victims?
These two groups statistically lose the most money to scammers.
What is a suspicious link in the email?
This feature of a phishing email can redirect you to a fake webpage where scammers steal your information.
What is identity theft?
The crime where someone uses your tax file number or personal data without permission.
What is account‑verification phishing?
Being asked to confirm details the company should already have is a classic sign of this type of scam.
You suspect a stolen tax file number.
Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
What are younger adults/teens?
This age group is often targeted because they are very active online and trusting.
What are spelling/grammar errors?
Misspelled words like “inconveenince” or “urjently” are indicators of this scam feature.
What is a service or contractor scam?
If an email claims your “account is in trouble,” this psychological tactic is being used.
What is an unsolicited request from a stranger (social media money scam)?
This warning sign appears when someone contacts you about money even though you've never met them.
Money is missing from your bank account and you didn’t authorize it.
Your bank (immediately) + police.
People feel embarrassed or ashamed.
People feel embarrassed or ashamed.