Skip to main content
    Step 1 of 5
    How-To Guides
    Beginner
    2 min read 5 stepsMarch 31, 2026Verified March 2026

    How to Spot a Phishing Email: A Beginner's Guide

    Phishing emails trick you into clicking dangerous links or sharing personal details. Learn the 5 red flags that give every scam email away.

    At a Glance

    Category
    How-To Guides
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    2 min read
    Steps
    5
    Topics covered
    email
    scam
    phishing
    safety
    security
    beginner
    how-to-spot-a-phishing-email

    In this guide (5 steps):

    1. 1.Check the sender address
    2. 2.Look for urgency and threats
    3. 3.Do not click any links
    4. 4.Check for poor spelling and grammar
    5. 5.Report and delete
    1

    Check the sender address

    ~15s
    Look at the actual email address, not just the name. A real bank email comes from something like noreply@barclays.co.uk. A scam might come from barclays-security@random-site.com.

    Warning

    Scammers can make emails look very real. Always check the full email address, not just the display name.

    2

    Look for urgency and threats

    ~15s
    Phrases like "Your account will be closed in 24 hours!" or "Click now or lose access!" are almost always scams. Real companies do not threaten you by email.
    3

    Do not click any links

    ~20s
    Hover over links (without clicking) to see where they actually go. If the link address looks strange, do not click it. Instead, go to the company's website directly by typing the address yourself.

    Quick Tip

    If you get an email from your "bank" asking you to log in, open a new browser tab and type your bank's website address yourself.

    4

    Check for poor spelling and grammar

    ~15s
    Many phishing emails have spelling mistakes, odd formatting, or awkward language. Real companies proofread their emails carefully.
    5

    Report and delete

    ~24s
    If you think an email is a scam, do not reply. Mark it as spam or phishing in your email app. If it claims to be from your bank, call your bank using the number on the back of your card to report it.

    Quick Tip

    You can forward phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk in the UK. In the US, report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and stay informed at consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts — the FTC's free consumer alert page.

    You Did It!

    You've finished reading: How to Spot a Phishing Email: A Beginner's Guide

    How well did this guide stick with you?

    Need more help? Book a TekSure tech

    Rate this guide

    How helpful was this guide?

    email
    scam
    phishing
    safety
    security
    beginner
    how-to-spot-a-phishing-email

    Official Resources

    GCFGlobalHow-To GeekAARP Technology Tips

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

    ← Previous

    How to Stop Receiving Unwanted Emails

    Next →

    How to Set Up Gmail on Your Phone

    Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

    A real person can walk you through this over the phone, anywhere in the US. If we can't fix it, you don't pay.

    Book a Verified Tech How It Works

    Learn more from official sources

    Related Guides

    How (and Why) to Keep Your Devices Updated

    A plain-English guide to updating Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, and your browser — and why skipping updates is risky.

    3 min read

    How to Set Up Netflix, YouTube, and Streaming Apps on Your TV

    Step-by-step guide to watching Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, and more on your Smart TV, Apple TV, Fire Stick, or Chromecast.

    3 min read

    How to Record Your Screen

    Capture what's happening on your screen — great for showing a tech problem, creating a tutorial, or saving a video call moment.

    3 min read