How to tell if an email is a scam

How to tell if an email is a scam [con, trick]?

By JOLI

"The operative word being SEARCH!"

There are still many people who fall for scams, cons and tricks?  We know this because the scam artists keep on coming.  They wouldn't do it if it didn't work.

Here are some basic helpful tips on what to look out for.

1) Does the email return address match the company/who they say they are?

The following email claims to be from Dr Nicolas Dean while the email address says Wilson Stevens @ hotmail (a doctor wouldn't use a hotmail address??).

2) Do the links in the message match the sender's details when you hover over the link?

3) Do your research before engaging in any type of interaction.

If you search 'bridal party scam' (see below) you'll find other people have similar stories to tell.  The operative word being SEARCH!

4) Be logical, think about it, ask yourself questions.

Referring to the above email:

a) How many grooms book 'surprise bridal parties'?
b) How many genuine people would book via an email?  They'd call to get answers straight away.
c) How many would know what type of treatments you offer, let alone how long these procedures take?

Note: the above email is a scam and the second time I've received a similar email (same details different people). How it works is they ask for a price, over pay you then ask for a refund of over payment (or cancellation).  You pay and their payment bounces.  Be savvy!

5) Do they give a business name or website?  Doe they have an ABN?  Is their business name registered?  Do they have reviews?

The following email claims to be from Pragya, an online marketing consultant, who works for a 'company' with over 130 designers.  Yet they give no company name or link to a bonafide website, with an aol email (instead of a company email address).

Even if they have a website check for other details (listed above).

6) Should the company emailing you know your name? Do they know who you are or do they use generic Dear Sir/Madam?

The following email is supposedly from Facebook (which it is NOT).  Facebook would know my name, and they would not have such a bogus email address, nor a link that does not link back to Facebook.  Fake Fake Fake!!!

Note: Some companies may not be a con or scam per se, thought they spam your email without your permission, which is against the law.

Spam emails can be reported to: report@submit.spam.acma.gov.au