TOP 10s
TOP 10s
related tags: Tips | Internet | Web | Websites | e mail | scam | top 10 | top ten | warning signs |

E-mail scams and phishing attempts evolve constantly, hoping to take advantage of the latest trends and current events. Although the e-mails change, the people behind them inadvertently send up the same warning signs again and again. SWITCHED dug through mountains of spam to find the most prevailing trends. Here are some warning signs to help you spot a hustle the next time one lands in your inbox.

1. Requests for personal information
No legitimate organization will ask for your social security, bank account or PIN number via e-mail – and none will include a link, sending you to a form to enter it.

2. Watch for typos or spelling mistakes
Scam artists are street smart, but many flunked basic grammar (or barely speak English).

3. Clickable Web links in e-mails
What might look like a legitimate address is often linked to a third-party site that looks official, but is actually run by thieves and scammers.

4. ‘Market research’ or surveys that ask you for personal information.
You’ll be asked to fill out a survey or enter a contest – requiring you to give personal information or “log on” to your account. Once you’ve done so, the scammers can use it themselves.

5. Stock tips from random people or companies
It’s probably a “pump and dump” scheme. The sender already owns shares – and when you and others act on the “tip,” the stock price soars and he sells fast – leaving you with virtually worthless shares.

6. Attachments in e-mails from anyone you don’t know
It’s almost always a virus or spyware meant to steal your personal information

7. Wordless e-mails
Some legitimate looking “e-mails” are actually just images. The danger with these is that clicking anywhere in the body takes you to a suspect Web site – where you may be fooled into entering personal information, or the scammer may slip spyware onto your machine.

8. Outdated information
Some scammers like to pose as technical- or customer support from a company you associate with – but fail to keep up with current events.

9. Red-flag phrases
If you see the phrases “verify your account,” “you have won the lottery” or “if you don’t respond within XX hours, your account will be closed,” it’s a scam – every time.

10. Generic greetings
While you can’t trust every e-mail that knows your name, you can definitely ignore the ones that start “Dear member” or “Hello friend.”