Top 10 Email & Phishing Scams You Need toWatch Out For (Even If You’re Not “Techy”)

Let’s face it—cybercriminals aren’t just targeting tech geeks anymore. Whether you’re a small

business owner, a busy parent, or just someone who checks email over coffee, phishing scams are looking for YOU.

At Taurus Technology Consultants, we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to help you stay safe

without boring you to sleep with technical jargon. Here are the Top 10 Email/Phishing Scams

you really need to watch out for—plus some handy tips to keep your inbox squeaky clean.

1. The “Oops! We Missed a Delivery” Scam

It looks like an email claiming your package couldn’t be delivered from FedEx, UPS, or Amazon.

Red flag: Bad grammar, sketchy sender email, links to weird URLs.

Pro tip: Never click the link. Go to the shipping company’s official website and enter your

tracking number directly.

2. “We’ve Locked Your Bank Account”

Looks like: An urgent notice from your bank, PayPal, or Cash App saying your account is

frozen.

Red flag: Immediate request to “verify your identity” through a link.

Pro tip: Banks NEVER ask for sensitive info over email. Call them directly if you’re unsure.

3. The “You Won!” Prize Trap

Looks like: “Congratulations! You’ve won a $500 gift card!”

Red flag: You didn’t enter any contest. Also: too many exclamation points!!!

Pro tip: If it sounds too good to be true… it probably is. Always check the sender and never

give personal info for a “free prize.”

4. The Fake Tech Support Call or Email

Looks like: An email from Microsoft or Apple saying your device has a virus.

Red flag: Asking you to download software or give remote access.

Pro tip: Real tech companies don’t reach out to YOU to fix YOUR computer. Ever.

5. The “Friend in Trouble” Scam

Looks like: An email from a friend saying they’re stuck in another country and need money.

Red flag: Emotional tone, urgent request for wire transfer or gift cards.

Pro tip: Call or text your friend directly. Chances are, they’re safe and sipping coffee at home.

6. The “Unusual Sign-In Activity” Alert

Looks like: A login alert from Google, Apple, or Facebook.

Red flag: No context or details, link to “secure” your account.

Pro tip: Instead of clicking the link, open the official app and check for real alerts there.

7. The Invoice You Never Ordered

Looks like: A receipt or invoice for something you never bought.

Red flag: Pressure to call a “customer service number” or click to cancel.

Pro tip: Do a quick gut check. Did you buy this? If not, delete it. Don’t engage.

8. The “Your Subscription Is Ending” Panic Button

Looks like: An urgent email that your Netflix, antivirus, or Spotify subscription is ending.

Red flag: Says your card will be charged hundreds if you don’t act now.

Pro tip: Log into the actual service directly to check your account—not through the email link.

9. HR or Payroll Spoofing

Looks like: An email from your “boss” asking for employee W2s, direct deposit info, or gift

cards.

Red flag: Unusual requests or “off-hours” emails that feel fishy.

Pro tip: Always verify by calling or messaging your boss through known channels. Never reply to the email blindly.

10. The IRS or Government Threat

Looks like: “You owe back taxes—pay now or get arrested!”

Red flag: Threats of jail or police action, request for payment in gift cards or crypto.

Pro tip: Government agencies don’t use scare tactics or email to demand payments.

How to Stay Safe (Without Losing Your Mind)

1. Hover Before You Click

Always hover over links to see where they lead. If the URL looks shady, skip it.

2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

It adds an extra layer of security, even if your password gets compromised.

3. When in Doubt, Throw it Out

Not sure? Delete it. Legit companies will find another way to reach you.

4. Don’t Trust “Urgency”

Scammers thrive on panic. Take a breath and verify before you react.

5. Keep Your Software Updated

Outdated systems are a hacker’s playground.

Still Worried? We Got You.

Taurus Technology Consultants offers tech support and cybersecurity consultations that are real-person friendly. No tech jargon. Just smart solutions.

Need help protecting your business or family online?

🔒 Stay one step ahead of the hackers.

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TaurusTechnologyConsultants.com for expert blog posts to help you stay secure in today’s

crazy digital world. 💻🛡️