Email scams and what to watch for

Emails are a big part of our lives, especially for small business owners. But not every email deserves your trust. 

Before clicking, ask yourself:

• Who is the email from? Check the full email address, not just the display name. Look for misspellings, extra numbers, or unusual domains. 

• Is it trying to rush you? Emails that demand immediate action or threaten consequences are designed to make you panic. Legitimate companies don’t need to push you into a corner to get you to act. 

• Was I expecting this? If you weren’t expecting something, don’t click. Verify by contacting the sender directly. 

• Are they asking for sensitive information? Legitimate businesses will never ask for passwords, Social Security number, banking details, or personal info via email. If they do, it’s a scam. Always. 

• Does it look or sound unusual? Trust your instincts. Poor grammar, awkward phrasing, or inconsistent branding are warning signs. Even small inconsistencies can be a clue. 

• Does it seem too good to be true? Unexpected prizes, refunds, or offers are often scams. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. 

Remember, a few seconds of skepticism can save you a lot of stress later. It’s always worth your time to be questionable and double check or verify the information you receive.