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Cyber Security
12 Phishing Email Red Flags
Daniel Okoro · Security Writer, SecureTempMail 6 min read
Phishing works on speed and emotion. Slow down and check these red flags.
Sender and domain
- Lookalike domains (paypa1.com, micros0ft-support.com).
- Display name says one company, the address is a random Gmail.
Language and pressure
- Urgency: "act within 24 hours or your account is closed."
- Threats, prizes, or "unusual activity" hooks.
- Generic greetings ("Dear Customer").
Links and attachments
- Hover a link — does the real URL match the text?
- Unexpected attachments, especially zips or documents asking you to "enable content."
- Requests for passwords or codes (legitimate companies never ask).
Bonus: use a disposable inbox to test
When trying an unknown service, sign up with a disposable address. If "your bank" emails it, you know it's fake. Modern inboxes also flag suspicious mail and render HTML safely.