Scammers and con artists have been around for a long time, and email is just their latest way to trick people. Most email scams ask you to send money, cash checks, share personal info, or start fake business deals. Knowing how to recognize common email scams can help you avoid falling into their trap.
Check-cashing scams
In this scam, someone emails you saying they’ll send a check for a large amount, like $5,000. They tell you to deposit it, keep a small part (say $500), and wire the rest back to them. The check might look real, but it’s fake or won’t clear. You might see the money in your account for a few days, but later the check bounces—and you lose the money you wired.
These scams often come through email or job sites, and the sender is usually overseas. As reported by the Federal Trade Commission, check-cashing scams often involve this kind of scheme.
Refund scams
You might get an email saying you’re owed a refund from the IRS, state tax office, or a company. To get the refund, they ask for personal info like your Social Security number or bank details. The email often includes a link to a fake website that looks real.
Giving out this info can lead to identity theft or fraud. According to official IRS guidance, the IRS and most state tax authorities do not use email to communicate about refunds. If a business emails you about a refund, call them directly to check before sharing any info.
Financial account confirmation scams
These phishing emails pretend to be from your bank, asking you to confirm account details because of “system upgrades” or “security checks.” They include links to fake websites that ask for usernames, passwords, or account numbers.
Your bank or other trusted source typically will not ask you to confirm this type of information via email or email links. If you get a message like this, don’t click any links or reply.
Overseas letter scam
Also called the “advance-fee” scam, this email promises a big payout from a wealthy person who died and left money to transfer. They ask you to be the “overseas partner” and share a percentage of the funds.
After that, they’ll ask for money to cover taxes or legal fees, promising to pay you back later. Sometimes they even suggest you travel to complete the deal. This is a scam—don’t send any money.
If you’ve lost money to this scam, contact your local U.S. Secret Service office.
Lottery winnings scam
This scam tells you that you’ve won a lottery or sweepstakes, sometimes naming a real lottery. They ask you to keep it secret and contact a “claims agent.” Then they ask for fees to cover taxes or processing before you get your winnings.
Legitimate lottery organizations generally do not charge fees before you can claim your winnings. If you get this kind of email, it’s a scam.
Stay alert
Learning how to spot email scams can protect you and your money. Stay cautious and double-check before you respond to unexpected emails.
