How to Spot a Scam Email Before It's Too Late
Every day, millions of scam emails are sent to people across the UK. They can look surprisingly convincing — sometimes appearing to come from your bank, the Post Office, or even HMRC. But once you know what to look for, they become much easier to spot.
Software for Seniors
5/21/20262 min read
In this guide, we'll show you the warning signs to watch out for — and what to do if you receive one.
What is a Scam Email?
A scam email is a message sent by criminals pretending to be someone you trust. Their goal is usually to get you to hand over personal information — like your bank details or password — or to click a link that installs something harmful on your device.
The good news is that most scam emails share the same telltale signs. Here's what to look for.
Warning Sign 1 — It Creates a Sense of Urgency
Scam emails often try to panic you into acting quickly. Phrases like 'Your account will be closed in 24 hours', 'Immediate action required', or 'You must respond today' are classic warning signs.
Legitimate companies rarely demand that you act immediately. If an email is pressuring you, slow down and be suspicious.
Warning Sign 2 — The Sender's Email Address Looks Odd
Always check the email address of the person who sent it — not just the name. A scam email might show the name 'Barclays Bank' but the actual email address might be something like barclays-secure@gmail.com or support@barclays-alerts.net.
Real banks and organisations always use their own official domain (e.g. @barclays.co.uk). If the address looks unusual, don't trust it.
Warning Sign 3 — It Asks for Personal Information
No legitimate bank, government department, or reputable company will ever ask you to confirm your full password, PIN number, or bank account details by email. If an email asks for this kind of information, it is a scam — full stop.
Warning Sign 4 — Poor Spelling and Grammar
Many scam emails contain spelling mistakes, odd phrasing, or sentences that don't quite make sense. This is often because they're written by people whose first language isn't English.
If an email from your bank or the Post Office is full of errors, be very suspicious.
Warning Sign 5 — Suspicious Links
Scam emails often contain links that look legitimate but lead somewhere harmful. Before clicking any link, hover your mouse over it (on a computer) — the real web address will appear at the bottom of your screen. If it looks unusual or doesn't match the company name, don't click it.
When in doubt, go directly to the company's website by typing the address yourself in your browser — never follow a link from a suspicious email.
What to Do If You Receive a Scam Email
• Do not click any links or download any attachments
• Do not reply to the email
• Mark it as spam or junk in your email programme
• Delete it
• If it claims to be from your bank, call your bank directly using the number on the back of your card to let them know
What If You've Already Clicked a Link?
Don't panic — and don't feel embarrassed. It happens to a lot of people. Here's what to do:
• Change your passwords straight away, starting with your email and any banking accounts
• Contact your bank if you entered any financial details
• Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040
Scam emails are designed to catch us off guard — but now you know what to look for, you're already much better protected. Trust your instincts: if something feels wrong, it probably is.
Need help choosing the right app?
Browse our guides or get in touch — we're here to help.
get in touch
hello@softwareforseniors.co.uk
© 2026. All rights reserved.