Phishing email examples, with the red flags marked

Phishing emails pretend to be a company you trust so you will click a link, call a number, or type a password. These common examples show exactly what gives them away.

Example 1: The fake Microsoft subscription email

• The name says Microsoft, but the address is a lookalike domain.
• A large surprise charge creates panic.
• It asks you to call a number instead of signing in to your real account. The person who answers will ask for remote access to your computer.

Example 2: "Your phone number has changed"

• Random reference numbers make it look official.
• Some scam emails use letters from other alphabets that look identical to English ones, so a fake brand name looks real.
• The "secure your account" link goes to a password-stealing page.

Example 3: The package delivery problem

• A tiny fee is used to collect your full card number.
• A deadline pushes you to act before you think.
• Real carriers don't ask for redelivery fees by email.

Example 4: The bank or account lock alert

• "Unusual sign-in detected. Your account will be closed."
• Generic greeting such as "Dear Customer."
• Asks you to confirm your password, PIN, or Social Security number. Real banks never ask for these by email.

The 5-second check

1. Look at the sender's actual email address, not just the name.
2. Ask: am I being rushed or scared?
3. Don't click. Open the company's app or type its website yourself.
4. Never give a password, code, or remote access to someone who contacted you.
5. When unsure, ask someone. That's what ShieldsON's Trusted Advisors and Ask Fred are for.

How ShieldsON helps

The free ribbon checks the sender's domain, its authentication records, and where every link really goes, then shows a green, yellow or red rating at the top of the email.