Protect Yourself from Phishing Emails

Think Before You Click: Protect Yourself from Phishing Emails

Have you ever received an email that looked like it came from your bank, a delivery company, or even Brooke Telecom? It may have looked completely legitimate—but appearances can be deceiving.

Phishing emails have become one of the most common ways scammers try to steal personal information, passwords, and money. The good news? A few extra seconds of caution can make all the difference.

What is a phishing email?

A phishing email is a fraudulent message designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link, downloading an infected attachment, or providing sensitive information such as passwords, banking details, or account numbers.

Scammers often impersonate trusted companies and create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly.

Common examples include:

  • "Your email account has been suspended."
  • "A package couldn't be delivered."
  • "Your account has been compromised."
  • "Your payment has failed."
  • "Review our updated privacy policy."
  • "You have an unpaid invoice."

These messages are designed to make you panic before you have time to think.

What Should You Do?

If you receive a suspicious email:

  • Don't click any links.
  • Don't open unexpected attachments.
  • Don't reply with personal information.
  • Delete the email if you believe it's fraudulent.
  • Contact the company directly using the phone number or website you already know—not the contact information provided in the email.

Here is an example of what to look for.

Suspicious company name email address.

Look for little signs. No logo. Spelling errors. Etc.

Generic greeting.

Not personal, no name or identifying factor, account number for instance.

Demands urgency.

They have given a very small window of time to investigate.

Asking you to click a link to take you outside of the email.

Unusual signature.

No name or company branding with the signature, as well as no contact information or how to reach them with questions.