Do you know how to spot an email scam??

Do you know how to spot a fake email?  At first glance, they can be very similar to the real thing, and when we’re deep in the throes of research, we may not be paying as much attention as we should.  Here are a few things you need to remember when checking your Inbox:

1. Verify the Sender

Before opening an email, check the sender’s email address. Scammers often use addresses that look legitimate at first glance but contain slight misspellings or extra characters. For example, instead of support@ancestry.com, a scammer might use support@ancestrv.com.  It’s a “blink and you’ll miss it” type of change, but it makes all the difference.

2. Look for Red Flags

Emails with urgent language, requests for personal information, or links to unfamiliar websites should be regarded with cynicism.  Legitimate companies rarely ask for sensitive information via email, and especially not without warning or a prior conversation.  If you’re unsure, you can always call the company via a phone number that you look up first.  Don’t just call the number given in the email, as that may be fake as well.

3. Beware of Unsolicited Emails

Be alert for unsolicited emails, especially those that claim you’ve won a prize or inherited money. Scammers often use these tactics to lure you into providing personal information.  Read the email as skeptically as you’d evaluate any genealogical source.  What are the odds that a stranger halfway around the world really wants to send you lots of money?

4. Check for Grammar and Spelling Errors

Many scam emails have poor grammar and spelling. If an email looks suspicious, it probably is. Check the entire email, including links, for errors. If an unexpected email from someone you know doesn’t sound like them, it might be fake. Scammers can hack accounts to exploit relationships between you and those you contact regularly.

5. Avoid Clicking on Links or Downloading Attachments

If you receive an email from an unknown sender or one that seems suspicious, do not click on any links or download attachments. These could contain malware designed to steal your information, or send you to a fake website designed to entice you into spending money.

6. Be Skeptical of Requests for Money

Be very wary of any email requesting money, even if it appears to come from someone you know. Scammers often hack email accounts and impersonate the owner.  If it is an urgent request, be twice as suspicious.  Scammers use the fear of dire problems to push people to react before thinking.

By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can protect yourself from email scams and focus on what you love most: uncovering your family history.