How to Spot Phishing Emails

What is Phishing?

Phishing is when criminals send fake emails pretending to be from trusted companies to trick you into giving them passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information.

Warning Signs of Phishing

1. Suspicious Sender Address

Look carefully at the email address:

• Fake: support@micros0ft.com (zero instead of 'o')
• Real: support@microsoft.com

Scammers use addresses that look almost right at first glance.

2. Urgent or Threatening Language

Phishing emails create panic:

• "Your account will be closed in 24 hours!"
• "Urgent action required!"
• "Suspicious activity detected!"

Legitimate companies rarely use such threatening language.

3. Generic Greetings

Phishing emails often say:

• "Dear Customer"
• "Dear User"
• "Dear Sir/Madam"

Real companies usually use your actual name.

4. Spelling and Grammar Mistakes

Professional companies proofread their emails. Multiple errors are a red flag.

5. Suspicious Links

Before clicking any link:

• Hover your mouse over it (don't click)
• Look at the URL that appears
• Check if it matches the company's real website

Fake: www.paypa1-secure.com Real: www.paypal.com

6. Unexpected Attachments

Be very careful with attachments you weren't expecting, especially:

• .exe files
• .zip files
• Documents asking you to "enable macros"

7. Requests for Personal Information

Legitimate companies will never ask for:

• Your password
• Your full credit card number
• Your PIN
• Your tax file number

...via email.

What to Do If You Suspect Phishing

• Do not click any links in the email
• Do not download any attachments
• Do not reply to the email
• Report it to IT by forwarding to helpdesk@netlumait.com.au
• Delete the email

What If You Already Clicked?

If you clicked a link or entered information:

• Change your password immediately
• Contact IT right away
• Monitor your accounts for unusual activity

Need Help?

To report suspicious emails, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.