There are so many tech users in the world who rely heavily on their email accounts for communication, which is why it’s critical to keep them safe and protected.
It’s easy to assume your email is secure, especially when everything looks normal at first glance. But if your inbox suddenly contains strange messages, unexpected requests, or emails that seem to come from people you know, it could be a sign that your account, or someone else’s, has been compromised. Tech experts say there are a few red flags worth watching for, particularly when an email asks you to do something you wouldn’t normally expect. Read more about two of them below.
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1. Unexpected Emails From People You Know
One of the trickiest parts of an email hack is that scammers don't always have to start from scratch. If they gain access to someone's email account, they can use that person's existing relationships to make their next scam seem much more believable. That means an unexpected message from a friend, family member, coworker, or business you regularly interact with isn't necessarily safe simply because you recognize the sender.
"Cybercriminals can take advantage of prior existing relationships," explains digital forensics expert Calum Baird. "This can include familial or friendship relationships, business relationships, or customer relationships. If cybercriminals compromise a business's email account, they will typically send out emails to customers, clients, and other partners to try and spread their criminal activity further. Just because a communication appears to be from someone you know doesn't mean it is actually from them. If it's unexpected, be cautious, especially if they are asking you to disclose personal information, click a link, download a file, or take certain actions on your computer."
2. Sending & Receiving Emails That Create A Sense Of Urgency
Another common tactic is making you feel like you have to act right now. Whether the message claims your bank account has been compromised or says you have an overdue payment, scammers often use fear and urgency to keep people from stopping to question whether the email is legitimate. Seeing these in your inbox constantly, or having them sent from your own device without your consent, is a big red flag.
"Phishing remains so effective because it exploits basic human behaviors like trust and urgency," adds cybersecurity analyst Stephanie Schneider. "Scammers may claim that your bank account has been compromised, a payment is overdue, or an account will be closed unless you act immediately. The best defense is to slow down rather than react and verify the request through a trusted channel, such as calling the organization directly using a phone number you know is legitimate."
