If you click on a link in a scammer check email, you might download malware to your computer. You might also be prompted to provide information you shouldn’t share (like your National Insurance number or passwords for a bank account), which can be used by criminal hackers to hack into accounts or steal money.

Criminals often spoof emails, phone numbers, and website URLs–even just by changing one letter, symbol or number–to make them look like they come from your boss, a company you’ve done business with, or even someone in your family. These fake messages, called phishing scams, are designed to trick you into downloading harmful software, sending them money or personal information, or both.

Stay Alert: How to Conduct an Effective Scammer Check Email and Avoid Being a Victim

To help you stay safe, learn the warning signs of a scammer check email. Pay special attention to links and attachments, as these are the most common places for hackers to install malware on your device.

A sense of urgency: ‘Update now’ or ‘Use your credit card now’. A request for sensitive information, such as passwords or account details. A link that looks suspicious or does not match the website address of the company it claims to be from.

Be especially wary of emails that contain poor spelling or grammar, as these can be a telltale sign that the message is not genuine. If the message includes a link, roll your mouse pointer over the link to see its real destination, which should appear in the bottom left corner of your screen. You can also verify whether a website is legitimate by checking its privacy policy and looking for the ‘opt-out’ button.