Archives - Email Tips


Look out for email extortion scams

Phishing is regularly associated with tactics such as a scammer telling someone they’ve won a prize, but it can also take the form of attempted extortion. Be wary of any email threatening to expose something about you unless you quickly submit payment. Simply delete it instead of engaging at all.

Tell Gmail you only want to see certain images

It might sound like a small point, but the images you’re sent via email – even just a logo or profile picture loading up – can help hackers determine whether you’ve opened the message, setting you up for more spam or phishing. That’s why it’s useful to make images a requested element of your communications. […]

Verify your email contacts’ physical address

Some of the best-disguised phishing attempts speak to you like a person, use one or two things to personalize the message, and imitate company logos to a tee. But they might be missing a final sign of legitimacy – a real-life address on the email signature. Official business and customer care comms won’t be shy […]

Check that sales emails use your first and/or last name

Scammers can be sloppy. Bad phishing attempts might say something like, “Dear long-term customer, we’d like to invite you to …” or another wide swing at getting you to click a harmful link. So expect the full customer care treatment. Any business that’s legitimately sending you an offer or useful information will use your first […]

Always report suspicious account activity

For most online accounts, you’ll receive a login notification or verification email whenever you input your credentials. These are a great way for service providers to confirm it’s really you trying to access your account, but if it’s something you do frequently you might get a little complacent about receiving those emails or messages. Don’t […]

Keep your out of office auto-reply vague

Setting up an out of office auto-reply for your email is pretty common practice, especially for work. But be mindful of how much you divulge when you write it. Saying that you’re leaving the country and for how long advertises that your home will be empty. Keep it simple and vague, saying that you’re currently […]