How to Identify Email Scams in 2025
In 2025, email scams are more advanced than ever. With the rise of AI, more and more scams are hitting inboxes around the globe, and they are becoming harder and harder to recognize. This is especially true for elderly populations, who may not be as familiar with the nuances of digital communication.
The best way to avoid email scams is to arm our colleagues and loved ones with the knowledge they need to protect themselves. The team at Varay Managed IT is here to help. We’re sharing how to identify email scams, the new challenges of AI-assisted scams, and tips for helping the elderly stay safe online.
What are Email Scams?
by Solen Feyissa
Email scams are fraudulent messages sent by cybercriminals. They trick recipients into handing over sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card information, or Social Security numbers. These scams can come in various forms, from phishing emails pretending to be from legitimate organizations to fake lottery notifications. Let’s take a look at common types of email scams.
Common Types of Email Scams
Phishing Scams:
Phishing scams look like they come from reputable and trustworthy companies. In these messages, the scammer may request you provide sensitive personal information, such as account or banking details. The best way to combat these scammers is to verify the email’s authenticity before responding or taking action, like clicking links.
Lottery Scams:
Lottery scam emails falsely inform you that you have won a substantial prize. Typically, these emails instruct you to pay a fee or provide personal financial information to claim your cash prize. Remember, legitimate lotteries do not require upfront payments to claim prizes. Having to pay to receive money is a big scam red flag.
Charity Scams:
Charity scams impersonate nonprofit organizations, appealing for donations under the guise of supporting a noble cause. They may use emotional tactics and urgent language to encourage you to contribute funds. To avoid falling victim to such scams, always research the charity in question and verify their legitimacy before donating.
Tech Support Scams:
Tech support scams send fake messages claiming there is a serious issue with your computer or device. The scammers may pose as IT representatives and offer to resolve the supposed problem for a fee. Don’t provide personal information or payment to anyone who claims to offer unsolicited tech support. Legitimate IT companies only provide support to existing customers on retainer.
How to Identify Email Scams
Recognizing email scams is the first step to preventing them. Here are some tips that can help anyone learn how to identify email scams quickly and easily:
Check the Sender’s Email Address
Scammers often use email addresses that look similar to legitimate ones. Pay attention to minor differences, such as extra numbers or misspellings.
Also, look out for personal email addresses from platforms like Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail. A real business representative will never email you from their personal account.
Look for Grammatical Errors
Emails from legitimate companies usually don’t contain glaring spelling or grammatical mistakes. If an email is poorly written, it’s likely a scam.
Be Wary of Urgent Language
Scammers often use urgent or threatening language to prompt immediate action without thinking. Phrases like “act now” or “your account will be closed” are red flags.
Verify Links Before Clicking
Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. If the link doesn’t match the supposed source, it’s likely a scam. Verify that the link matches the legit company website and contains no errors or spoofs. Alternatively, avoid clicking email links altogether and go to the website directly.
Avoid Sharing Personal Information
Legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive information via email. If an email requests personal data, it’s best to ignore it.
The Rise of AI-Assisted Email Scams
by Andrea De Santis
AI-assisted email scams make it even harder to distinguish between scammers and real senders. AI allows cybercriminals to create emails that are both more realistic and targeted. In some cases, they look like the real deal. Even some of the most savvy internet users can be fooled by an AI scam. So, it is important to recognize how AI is changing email scams.
How AI is Changing Email Scams
Here are things to look out for in an AI-generated email scam:
Personalized Content:
Artificial Intelligence can carefully examine social media profiles, gathering information about personal interests and online behaviors. This data can then be used to create relevant emails to the recipient, thus increasing the likelihood that the individual will engage with the content. For example, an AI-generated email could reference your latest Instagram post or mention a Facebook friend.
Improved Language:
AI tools make it easier for scammers to scan and correct grammatical errors. Improving grammar, tone, and formatting makes these communications appear more credible and trustworthy to the reader. However, that doesn’t mean they are legit.
Adaptive Tactics:
AI systems possess the unique ability to learn from previous attempts at scamming, analyzing what strategies were effective and which were not. This learning process allows AI to modify and refine tactics over time. This increases the chances of success in future scams by implementing more effective approaches based on historical data. Every scam email sent makes the next one even more convincing.
AI-Generated Photos and Voice Notes:
Before AI-assisted email scams, a scammer’s only way to deceive you was through text. But with AI, they can generate realistic photos and even voice notes. For example, some email scams use AI to scan online social media videos of people in your network. Then, they can create a realistic-sounding voice memo attachment with the data that sounds like your friend or boss.
Protect Your Business With Cybersecurity Services
Protecting Against AI-Assisted Email Scams
AI-enhanced scams have become increasingly sophisticated. So, it is crucial to remain both informed and vigilant online. One of the most important steps you can take is to regularly update and review your email security settings to ensure they are equipped to handle any potential threats. Larger organizations should invest in cyber security services, including proactive monitoring and security updates for all employees.
Everyone should maintain a healthy skepticism towards unexpected emails that land in their inbox, even if they appear legitimate at first glance. A cautious approach can help protect you from falling victim to these advanced scams.
Email Tips for the Elderly
Older populations didn’t grow up with technology, resulting in a learning curve when it comes to digital literacy. Scammers recognize this and use it to their advantage, which is why there are many email scams targeting elderly populations. Here are some tailored tips to help protect them:
Encourage Open Communication
Make sure elderly loved ones feel comfortable discussing suspicious emails with you. Encourage them to ask for a second opinion before responding to any unexpected messages.
Set Up Spam Filters
Help them configure their email accounts to filter out spam and potential scams automatically. This reduces the risk of accidentally engaging with scam emails.
Educate About Common Scams
Regularly update them on new scams and remind them of the common red flags. Knowledge is power, and understanding these tactics can make a big difference.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
Consider installing antivirus software and email protection tools on their devices. These can offer an extra layer of security against potential threats.
Building a Reliable IT Support System
Today, cyber security is crucial—for both your personal use and your business. Here are the top things to look for in a Managed IT partner:
Scalable and Customizable Solutions
Look for IT solutions that can grow with your needs. Scalable options ensure that as your business or personal IT requirements expand, your systems can handle the increase without compromising security.
Partnering With Trustworthy IT Providers
by Toa Heftiba
Choose an IT partner known for integrity and reliability. A good provider will offer practical solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring your systems are both efficient and secure.
Regular Training and Updates
Stay current with the latest IT trends and updates. Regular training sessions can help you and your team stay one step ahead of potential threats, including the latest email scams.
Here at Varay, we include Security Training in all of our Managed IT packages. We know just how big a difference education can make in online security.
Stay Protected From Email Scams
Email scams are an ever-present threat. By understanding how to identify scams and implementing protective measures, we can help safeguard both our personal and business IT systems.
Remember, when in doubt, ask for help. Together, we can create a safer digital world for everyone.
Need Cybersecurity Services?
