Is This Email Safe, Suspicious, or a Scam?
Why This Guide Exists
Scam emails are made to look like they come from a bank, a government office, a family member, or a company you trust. It can be hard to tell the difference between a real email and a fake one. This guide gives you simple things to look for. It does not replace advice from a professional.
Signs an Email Might Be Suspicious
- It asks you to act right away, without giving you time to think.
- It asks you to click a link or open an attachment you were not expecting.
- It comes from an address that looks almost right, but not quite.
- It asks for personal information, account numbers, or passwords by email.
Signs an Email Might Be a Scam
- It asks you to send money, gift cards, or account information right away.
- It threatens you with arrest, a fine, or a lawsuit if you do not respond fast.
- It says you won a prize you never entered for.
- It pretends to be a relative or friend asking for help in an emergency.
What "Safe" Really Means
Even an email that looks safe can still be worth double-checking, especially if it asks for money, personal details, or quick action. Being careful does not mean something is wrong — it just means you are protecting yourself.
Important Cautions
This guide is not legal, medical, or tax advice. It cannot tell you with certainty whether one specific email is real or fake. If you are not sure, do not click any links or reply. Instead, contact the company, agency, or person directly using a phone number or website you already know and trust — not one from the email itself. When in doubt, check with a professional or with the agency the email claims to be from.
What to Do Next
You do not have to figure this out alone. The free ScamCheck tool lets you paste the actual text of an email, or describe a phone call or text message you received. It will give you one of three simple answers — Safe, Suspicious, or Scam — along with one clear thing to do next. It works in English and Spanish, and it reads your own words and numbers, not a guess.