Phishing and Scam Emails & Calls: How to Spot and Avoid Them

IT Technician @ITBrother

November 4, 2025

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this blog is based on personal experience and readily available public information. While I strive to ensure accuracy and clarity, some content may reflect my own opinions or practices and may not apply to every situation. Always do your own research or consult with a qualified professional when making decisions based on the topics discussed here. I am not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.

Phishing attacks are one of the most common and effective ways cybercriminals steal personal information. Years ago, they were easier to spot—think of the infamous “Nigerian Prince” email asking for a small amount of money in exchange for a huge payout later. It was almost laughable in its obviousness.

But today, phishing has become far more sophisticated. With the rise of AI, publicly available personal information, and advanced impersonation techniques, phishing scams are harder than ever to detect. Scammers now use real names, personal details, and convincing branding to trick unsuspecting victims. Some even impersonate well-known companies or support teams, creating fake urgency by warning you of “suspicious activity” or “unauthorized access.”

Unfortunately, many people still fall victim because they assume that if an email or call contains accurate personal information, it must be legitimate. That’s exactly what scammers rely on. But no matter how authentic these attempts may look or sound, there are always warning signs. Let’s break down how to spot phishing emails and scam calls—and what you can do to protect yourself.

How to Spot Phishing Emails

Not all email providers filter phishing attempts equally. Even with spam filters, some will inevitably slip through to your inbox. Knowing the red flags will help you avoid becoming a victim.

1. Know What to Expect

Phishing emails often impersonate large companies, especially banks, delivery services, or tech giants like Google, Microsoft, or PayPal. The content usually revolves around alarming messages such as:

“Your account has been compromised.”
“We detected suspicious activity.”
“Please reset your password immediately.”

These are designed to scare you into clicking links or providing personal information. However, legitimate companies rarely notify you through just one method. Banks, for example, will typically reach out via email, SMS, mobile app notifications, or even phone calls. If the alert only comes by email, treat it with skepticism.

2. Check the Sender’s Email Address

Even the most convincing phishing emails often reveal themselves through the sender’s address. For example, a fake “Google” email might come from support@googl-security.com instead of support@google.com.

Always cross-reference the email address with the company’s official contact information. If it doesn’t match exactly, delete it immediately.

3. Look for Inconsistencies

Scammers can mimic logos, layouts, and even copywriting styles—but they rarely get everything perfect. Watch for:

Poor grammar or spelling mistakes
Misaligned logos or formatting issues
Unusual greetings like “Dear user” instead of your name
Awkward phrasing that doesn’t sound professional

If something feels “off,” it probably is.

4. Inspect the URL Before Clicking

The most dangerous part of a phishing email is usually the link. Clicking it often leads to a fake login page designed to steal your credentials.

Before clicking, hover over the link to preview the URL. If you’re expecting Google, the link should point to accounts.google.com, not something like google-login-secure.net.

If you’re still unsure, don’t click. Instead, open your browser manually and log in to the company’s official website.

💡 Pro Tip: Many phishing emails use urgency (“Act now!”) to pressure victims. Take a step back, breathe, and verify before doing anything.

How to Recognize Scam Phone Calls

While phishing emails can be filtered, scam phone calls and text messages are harder to block. This makes them especially dangerous, as victims often panic in the moment.

1. Watch for Vagueness

Scam callers rarely provide specific details. Instead, they rely on vague threats like:

“There’s a claim filed against you.”
“Your Social Security number has been suspended.”
“We’ve detected suspicious charges on your account.”

If they can’t provide concrete details—such as dates, amounts, or case numbers—it’s almost certainly a scam.

2. Personal Information Traps

Some callers sprinkle in bits of personal data (like your name or a relative’s name) to seem legitimate. For example:

“This is regarding a claim involving [Your Grandfather’s Name].”

Hearing real names can be alarming, but remember: much of this information is already public or available through previous data breaches. Scammers use it as bait.

3. Listen to the Voice

Many scam calls are now generated with AI, resulting in voices that sound robotic, monotone, or unnatural. If the voice lacks normal human tone or pauses, be suspicious.

4. No Company Verification

Legitimate companies always provide ways to verify their identity. For instance, banks give you a case number, callback number, or direct you to their official website. Scammers, on the other hand, often pressure you to stay on the call and act immediately.

What To Do If You Receive a Phishing Email or Scam Call

Do not click links or download attachments.
Do not provide personal information. Companies will never ask for your Social Security number, passwords, or bank details over email or unsolicited phone calls.
Report phishing attempts. Most email platforms have “Report phishing” options. You can also forward scam emails to the FTC at reportphishing@apwg.org.
Block the sender or number. This won’t stop all attempts, but it reduces repeat targeting.
Stay updated. Scams evolve constantly. Following cybersecurity blogs or news outlets can help you stay one step ahead.

How to Protect Yourself from Phishing Attacks

Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Even if your password is stolen, attackers can’t access your account without the second code.
Enable Email Filters: Services like Gmail and Outlook continually update spam detection.
Educate Yourself and Others: Many victims are caught off guard because they don’t know what phishing looks like. Share this knowledge with family and friends.
Check Your Credit Reports: If you suspect your information was stolen, monitor your financial accounts and credit history for unusual activity.
Use a Password Manager: Avoid reusing passwords across accounts. If one account is compromised, unique passwords prevent hackers from accessing everything else.

Conclusion

Phishing attacks and scam calls aren’t going away—they’re evolving. What used to be obvious, laughable scams have now become highly convincing, often backed by stolen personal data and AI-driven impersonation.

But here’s the good news: once you know the signs, you’ll be far harder to trick. Always question unsolicited messages, double-check sender details, and never rush into giving away sensitive information.

By staying vigilant, using strong security practices like 2FA and password managers, and educating others, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming the next victim.

In today’s digital world, awareness is your best defense. Don’t let scammers take advantage of your trust—stay alert, stay informed, and stay safe.