Scam messages — the fake delivery text, the “your account is suspended” email, the surprise refund — all follow the same playbook. They manufacture urgency, then push you to click or pay before you think. Slow down and the cracks show.
The red flags
- Urgency and threat: “Act now or your account will be closed.” Real organisations don't rush you like this.
- Unexpected links or attachments — especially asking you to “verify” details.
- Requests for passwords, PINs, or full card details — legitimate companies never ask for these by message.
- Odd sender addresses — a bank email from a random Gmail or a misspelt domain.
- Poor spelling and generic greetings like “Dear Customer”.
- Too good to be true — refunds, prizes, or parcels you didn't expect.
What to do
- Don't click. Go to the company's site or app directly and check there.
- Verify independently — call the number on their official website, not the one in the message.
- Report and delete. Most countries have a number to forward scam texts to.
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The golden rule
Any message pressuring you to act fast and share details is suspicious by default. Pause, verify through official channels, and you defeat almost every scam. Related: protecting your information online.