What are the signs of a scam email pointing to non-existent website?
Summary
What email marketers say9Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Reddit shares that checking the sender's email address for inconsistencies or unusual domain names is a key indicator of a scam email. They further advised checking the email headers.
Email marketer from ScamBusters.org explains that scam emails often contain poor grammar, spelling errors, and a sense of urgency, and may request personal information.
Email marketer from Email Geeks responds that it's typical for people to randomly go through a validator and send mail when there is a warning or an error. They add that the 2024 domain doesn't even resolve to anything.
Email marketer from Consumer.ftc.gov warns that if an email promises something that seems too good to be true, it's likely a scam. Also be wary of unsolicited emails asking for money or personal information.
Email marketer from Mailchimp.com warns users to be cautious of emails requesting sensitive information. Especially if they are unexpected and don't match normal business practices.
Email marketer from Reddit explains to look at the domain registration date - often fake websites are registered very recently and if you do a WHOIS lookup on the domain you can see this. Also check the website in wayback machine to see the history.
Email marketer from HeimdalSecurity.com details that fake websites will look identical to the real ones. Check for spelling errors, the contact information, and the URL.
Email marketer from Experian.com shares that many phishing emails use generic greetings, as they are sent in bulk. Genuine companies will address you by your name.
Email marketer from Norton.com details that scam emails that come from an unusual sender that you don't normally correspond with may be signs of a scam. Watch out for unknown attachments.
What the experts say3Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks explains that the email is a scam because the website they claim to have found errors in does not exist. They also send mail telling her that a non-existent website's Google ranking is bad.
Expert from SpamResource.com explains that phishing emails often contain generic greetings and a request for personal information, which is a red flag.
Expert from WordtotheWise.com shares that phishing emails often contain URLs that are misspelled or use a different domain extension than the legitimate website.
What the documentation says5Technical articles
Documentation from NIST.gov explains to check the URL for HTTPS and a padlock symbol to ensure the website is secure, but also notes that some phishing sites have started using SSL to seem more legitimate.
Documentation from DigitalGuardian.com explains that in spear phishing emails, the email might use information that the attacker has gathered about you from social media or other sources to appear more legitimate.
Documentation from support.google.com explains that phishing emails often try to trick you into sharing your password, social security number, or bank account numbers. They may also contain unusual attachments.
Documentation from APWG.org explains that phishing emails may contain links that look legitimate but redirect to fake websites designed to steal your credentials or install malware. They also mention URL obfuscation techniques.
Documentation from Microsoft.com details that phishing emails may use threats or a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly before you have time to think. Check for poor spelling, grammar and suspicious links.