Scam Emails Explained: How to Protect Yourself from Phishing and Fraud
A scam email is a malicious email that aims to trick recipients into giving up their sensitive information, such as bank accounts and passwords. This is one of the ways scammers have used to steal money from individuals easily. Learn how to spot scam emails, the most common types, how to avoid becoming a victim and what to do if you’ve been scammed.
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How to Spot a Scam Email
Here are some ways to recognise a malicious email:
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It came from an infrequent sender.
It has an urgent call to action or an alarming tone.
It has unexpected attachments and suspicious links.
There are multiple spelling errors and bad grammar used in the message.
The email address or domain name are misspelt or altered.
Email greeting is not personalised or uses a generic format like “Dear madam or sir”.
The Most Common Types of Scam Emails
Sextortion or doxing
Business email imposters
Fake contest or raffle prizes
Account update and password reset requests
Fake charity membership from famous personalities
Too good to be true subscription promos and renewal discounts
What Happens When You Respond to a Scam Email
Clicking on a suspicious link may open a phishing website that pretends to be a legitimate online shop or bank to collect your login credentials and other information. On the other hand, downloading an attachment can install malware on your device. Malware like ransomware can encrypt your files and hold them for ransom. Some can install malicious software that records device activities to get your data. Once scammers have your information, they can use it to steal money directly from your bank accounts and credit cards. Or worse, take over your email and other connected accounts and cause more damage.
How to Avoid Becoming a Scam Victim
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Educating yourself about the ins and outs of scam emails is still the most effective way for you to avoid being targeted by these attacks. Until then, follow these recommendations:
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Practice good email hygiene.
Never disclose sensitive or confidential information through email. If in doubt, verify with the person or company first to avoid possible issues.
Think before you click. Avoid opening links and attachments from unknown senders.
Create a strong and unique email account password. Use Trend Micro Password Generator to help you generate better passwords for your accounts.
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TIP: Change your passwords regularly. Trend Micro recommends you update them at least every three months if you are not using a password manager.
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Look at the email address, not just the sender.
Check if the message is sent from a public email domain. Legitimate organisations use a single domain for email addresses. They will not send emails from an address that ends in @gmail.com. If the domain name (what comes after the @ symbol) matches the sender of the email, the message is most likely legitimate.
A message that comes from a different domain is suspicious.
Enhance your device security and privacy.
Turn on the Firewall for your Windows PC.
Update your operating system and web browsers regularly.
Watch out for suspicious links.
You should not click links or download files even if they come from strange sources.
Check for mismatched URLs. Hovering above the link may show a different web address.
Avoid clicking links in emails unless you are sure it is a safe link.
Look for any grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.
Companies will often hire proofreaders and editors to ensure content they send out are free from errors.
Do not be frightened by messages that have an alarming tone.
Doublecheck with the company if you are uncertain about the status of your accounts.
Many of these scam email requests you to act quickly or else it will be too late.
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Look out for generic greetings like “Dear Customer”
Scam emails are designed to be sent to a large amount of people, so they need to be as impersonal as possible.
Check whether the message contains a generic subject and a greeting. This is a sign of a phishing attempt.
Take note of unusual information in the message.
Any mentions of operating systems and software that are not commonly used can often be a sign of a scam or phishing attempt.
Watch out for unsolicited messages.
Organisations do not practice sending confirmation emails unless there have important reasons.
Most of them avoid sending unsolicited messages unless it is for company updates, newsletters, or advertising purposes.
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Why Do I See Scam Emails?
Wondering why you receive these emails? Cybercriminals may have obtained your email address from a data leak, fake website, public sources like social media, or even illegally purchase your data.
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What To Do After Realising You’ve Been Scammed
Change the password of your email and other online accounts.
Contact your financial institutions including your bank and see how they can help you further.
Report the scam to prevent more victims.
New Zealand: NetSafe
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Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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52.5% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.6% Critical thinking
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29.8% Resilience and adaptability
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3% Other - I will share below!
The Gospel’s Relevance Today**
The Gospel, meaning ‘good news’, is the cornerstone of the message contained in the Bible’s first four books—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. While these records were written approximately 2,000 years ago, a natural question arises: why is this Gospel still relevant and vital for us today? This analysis seeks to explore what the Bible itself defines as the Gospel and to understand its enduring significance.
**Defining the Gospel: Core Biblical References**
The Gospel is not a vague concept; Scripture provides clear descriptions of its content and focus.
* **The Gospel of the Kingdom:** In Matthew 4:23, as Jesus begins his ministry, he is described as “preaching the gospel of the kingdom.” This immediately establishes that the good news is centrally about a kingdom—the Kingdom of God. His accompanying miracles served to validate the authority of this message.
* **The Gospel of Jesus Christ:** Mark 1:1 opens with, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Here, “Christ” is a title meaning ‘anointed one’. Thus, the good news is intrinsically about Jesus: his identity as the Anointed One and his unique status as the Son of God.
* **The Gospel of God’s Grace:** In Acts 20:24, the Apostle Paul speaks of his mission to “testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Grace signifies an undeserved gift. This reveals that the Gospel involves a gift from God, offered not because it is merited, but out of His benevolence.
* **The Gospel of Salvation and Peace:** Romans 1:16 declares the Gospel is “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,” breaking down barriers between Jew and Gentile (Greek). Furthermore, Romans 10:15 calls it the “gospel of peace,” pointing to a future state of peace brought about by this message.
* **The Gospel Summarised:** 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 provides a foundational summary. Paul reminds believers of the gospel he preached, “by which also you are saved.” He then states its core historical facts: “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” The Gospel is therefore rooted in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus.
In synthesis, the Gospel is the good news of **salvation and future peace in the Kingdom of God**, made possible by **the grace of God** and **the obedient sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ**, and offered to all who believe.
**Old Testament Foundations: The Gospel Preached to Abraham**
A crucial question is whether the Gospel is confined to the New Testament. Scripture shows its foundations were laid much earlier. Galatians 3:8 states explicitly that “the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall be blessed.’”
This reference points back to Genesis 12:1-3, where God made profound promises to Abraham: to make him a great nation, to bless those who blessed him, and that “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” These promises—later reaffirmed to Isaac and Jacob—form the bedrock of the Gospel hope. The good news of salvation through Christ is the fulfillment of how **all nations** would be blessed through Abraham’s “seed.”
**The Gospel’s Personal Relevance: Good News for You Today**
How does this ancient message become “good news for you” today? The application is clearly outlined in Galatians 3.
* **Access through Faith in Christ:** Galatians 3:26 declares, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” The promise made to Abraham is now extended to anyone with faith in Jesus.
* **The Role of Baptism:** Verse 27 explains, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Baptism is the God-appointed act of faith that identifies a believer with Christ’s death and resurrection.
* **Unity and Inheritance:** Verses 28-29 reveal the glorious outcome: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Through the Gospel, all barriers are removed; believers become spiritual descendants of Abraham and heirs to the promises of the Kingdom.
This Gospel was once a mystery hidden in God’s purpose (Ephesians 3:3-9). Now, it has been revealed: the unsearchable riches of Christ, offering salvation to all who heed the call, believe the message, and are baptised into him.
**Conclusion: An Enduring and Open Invitation**
The Gospel is far more than a historical account; it is the living, powerful good news of God’s plan for salvation. It is rooted in promises to Abraham, accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and open to all people without distinction. It offers a tangible hope—the hope of resurrection, peace, and an inheritance in the coming Kingdom of God. This is why the Gospel remains profoundly relevant. It is an invitation to listen, believe, and stand firm in this hope, linking our lives today to the eternal purpose of God.
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