Ways to recognize an e mail scam

The large volume of emails you receive daily makes it hard for you to identify a hoax from a genuine email. It is easy for one to fall prey to the many scam artists who are lurking online all the time. So how do you identify an email scam?

Beware of emails asking for personal information

Do not enter your bank details, PIN numbers or social security numbers to a link sent with an email requesting this information no matter how authentic the email may seem it is likely a scam.

Attachments

Attachments from emails sent by unknown senders are always likely to be a virus or a spyware intending to steal personal information. Do not open these attachments without first checking the authenticity of the sender.

Clickable web links in emails

The website may look legitimate, but it could be linked to a scam site which is used for identity theft or financial fraud.

Emails saying you have won the lottery

They will ask you for personal information in order for you to receive the prize. Think again, did you enter such a lottery? If not, delete the message.

Market survey

Do not fill forms with personal information and submit them to these sites.