TOP-8 Phrases in Scam Emails That Should Raise Your Suspicion

Email and message-based cyber fraud is one of the most effective forms of digital attacks, causing harm to millions of users every week.

The vast majority of people (96.8%) have received messages linked to scams. Cybercriminals are significantly scaling up their attacks on personal data. What’s more, scammers are most often successful not due to technical superiority, but because of human error and carelessness. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize the common phrases attackers use to gain your trust.

Here are examples of widespread tricks used by criminals to earn your confidence.

1. "We will block your account unless you verify your identity within 24 hours"

These emails trigger panic and push you to act hastily. Scammers often mimic official messages from banks or government agencies: they forge logos and include fake "verification" links that lead to phishing websites designed to steal your data.

2. "We detected suspicious activity from your IP address"

A classic scare tactic: the scammer implies your system is being used for illegal activities and offers "assistance." This is often made to look like it comes from your internet provider or a security service.

3. "You’ve won! Just enter your details"

Prizes, giveaways, and brand gifts are very common tactics. They exploit greed or curiosity. Such messages promise “instant money transfers,” but the real goal is to get your bank card details.

4. "Your subscription will be canceled - confirm your payment"

Scammers often impersonate popular services like Netflix, sending emails with a fake invoice and a request to “update” your payment info. Clicking the link opens a lookalike of the real site, where your banking credentials are harvested.

5. "You have a new security message. Check now"

Corporate phishing often uses fake emails that appear to come from IT departments or security teams. Unfortunately, users frequently fall for these seemingly “internal” messages and click malicious links.

6. "We tried to deliver your package. Please confirm your address again"

This trick becomes common during holidays or sales seasons. Fraudsters pose as delivery services and ask you to verify your address or pay customs fees. Attachments may contain malware or fake forms for data entry.

7. "We couldn’t process your payment. Please update your card details"

This is similar to the subscription cancellation tactic but focuses on failed transactions. The email mimics a payment error alert, creating a false sense of urgency.

8. "Your complaint has been received. See the response in the attachment"

A fake message from a support team or even a court. It imitates an ongoing conversation to gain your trust and often includes infected attachments.

Scammers rely on emotional pressure, urgency, and trust manipulation. If a message demands an immediate response or promises something too good to be true - that’s a major red flag.

Do not respond to suspicious emails, open attachments, or click on links. Stay alert - these messages may be a trap!