Email scams: Why one click can cost more than you think

07 May Email scams: Why one click can cost more than you think

Email scams have become one of the most common and costly threats facing small businesses and everyday consumers. What used to be obvious — poorly written emails, strange attachments and unbelievable offers — has become far more sophisticated. Today, scam emails can look like they come from your bank, insurer, accountant, supplier, parcel delivery company, software provider or even someone inside your own business.

The goal is usually simple: to get you to click a link, download an attachment, provide login details, approve a payment, or share sensitive information. And often, the scammer does this by creating urgency, fear or confusion.

You might receive an email saying your account will be suspended, your invoice is overdue, your parcel cannot be delivered, your password has expired, or your payment details need to be updated. The moment you feel unsettled and pressured to act quickly, it is worth pausing.

That pause could save you money, protect your personal information, and prevent your business or clients from being exposed to further risk.

For small businesses, the consequences can be particularly serious. A scam email may compromise client records, redirect supplier payments, infect systems with malware, or damage trust with customers. For consumers, it may lead to identity theft, financial loss or unauthorised access to important accounts.

The good news is that a few simple habits can make a significant difference.

Top 5 tips to protect yourself from email scams

Do not click links unless you are sure

A golden rule is this: if you are not completely sure of the sender, do not click the link.

Scam emails often include links that appear legitimate but take you to a fake website designed to capture your login details. The link may look like it belongs to a bank, government department, insurer, delivery company or trusted provider, but once clicked, it may lead somewhere entirely different.

Instead of clicking, open your browser and go directly to the trusted website yourself. Type in the official web address, use your saved bookmark, or access the app you normally use. Log in to your account from there and check whether any action is genuinely required.

That way, you are not relying on the email link. You are accessing your trusted account directly.

Check the sender’s email address carefully

Do not just look at the sender’s display name. Scammers can make an email appear to come from a familiar business or person.

Click or hover over the sender details and check the full email address. Is it recognised? Is it spelt correctly? Does the domain look right? For example, a scammer may use a similar-looking address with one letter changed, extra numbers added, or a slightly different ending.

If anything looks unusual, treat the email with caution.

Be suspicious of urgency and emotional pressure

Scam emails often try to make you act before you think. They may say things like “final warning”, “urgent action required”, “your account will be closed”, “payment failed”, or “security breach detected”.

If the message makes you feel anxious, rushed or unsettled, stop. That emotional reaction is often exactly what the scammer is trying to create.

Take a moment. Do not reply immediately. Do not click. Do not download. Verify the request through a trusted channel.

Confirm payment or account changes directly

For small businesses, one of the biggest risks is payment redirection fraud. This can occur when a scammer impersonates a supplier, client or staff member and asks for bank account details to be changed.

Always confirm payment changes directly using a phone number you already know and trust — not the number provided in the suspicious email.

The same applies to requests for passwords, sensitive documents, client information or access codes. A genuine business should not pressure you to hand over confidential information by email.

Protect your systems and train your people

Technology helps, but people are still the first line of defence. Use strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, updated antivirus software, secure email systems and regular backups.

For businesses, staff training is essential. Everyone should know how to identify suspicious emails, report them internally, and avoid clicking links or opening attachments without confidence.

It is also worth having a simple scam response plan. If someone clicks a suspicious link, who do they contact? Do passwords need to be changed? Should the bank, IT provider, clients or insurer be notified?

When in doubt, go direct

The safest habit is simple: if an email asks you to take action and you are unsure, do not use the email link. Go directly to the trusted website, log in securely, and check the request from inside your own account.

For businesses, it is also wise to speak with your insurance adviser about cyber insurance and other protections that may help reduce the impact of scams, fraud and data breaches.

Email scams are not going away. But with awareness, caution and the right advice, you can greatly reduce the risk to yourself, your business and the people who trust you.

If this article has inspired you to think about your unique situation and, more importantly, what you and your family are going through right now, please get in touch with your advice professional.

This information does not consider any person’s objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making a decision, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your particular objectives, financial situation, or needs.

(Feedsy Exclusive)