Email is an essential part of everyday life for most Australians – whether for work, study, or staying in touch with friends and family. But because it’s used so widely, it’s also a favourite target for online scammers. Phishing, fake messages, and identity theft attempts are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it harder to tell real messages from fake ones. The good news is that with a few smart habits and some basic knowledge, you can protect yourself from most online scams.

What Is Phishing – and Why Does It Work?

Phishing is a type of online scam where criminals try to trick you into revealing personal information such as passwords, credit card details, or banking credentials. It usually happens through emails that appear to come from a trusted source – like your bank, Australia Post, or a government agency such as myGov.

Scammers often play on emotions like fear, urgency, or curiosity. For example, you might receive an email claiming that your account will be suspended unless you verify your details, or that you have an unpaid bill. When you click the link, you’re taken to a fake website that looks legitimate – but any information you enter goes straight to the scammers.

How to Spot a Fake Email

Even though phishing emails can look convincing, there are usually small clues that give them away. Here are some common warning signs:

• Check the sender’s address: Look closely at who the email is actually from. A message from “support@commbank-secure.com” is not the same as “support@commbank.com.au”.
• Watch the language: Many scam emails contain spelling mistakes, awkward phrasing, or an overly urgent tone that doesn’t match the supposed sender.
• Hover over links: Without clicking, move your mouse over any link to see where it really leads. If the web address looks suspicious or unfamiliar, don’t open it.
• Unexpected messages: Be cautious if you receive an email about a delivery you didn’t order or a payment you don’t recognise.
• Pressure to act quickly: Scammers often try to rush you into making a decision – for example, by threatening to lock your account or charge a fee.

Good Habits That Keep You Safe

Protecting yourself from phishing isn’t just about spotting fake emails – it’s also about building strong digital habits. Here are some key steps:

• Use strong, unique passwords for every account. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them securely.
• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security, even if someone gets hold of your password.
• Keep your software and devices updated. Many attacks exploit known security flaws that updates are designed to fix.
• Never share personal information via email, including passwords, Medicare numbers, or banking details.
• Stay sceptical: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

Even the most careful person can fall victim to a scam. If you’ve clicked on a suspicious link or entered your details on a fake site, act quickly:

1. Change your passwords immediately, especially for your email, bank, and social media accounts.
2. Contact your bank if you’ve shared card or account details. They can help block your card and monitor for suspicious activity.
3. Report the scam to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Scamwatch and to ReportCyber if it involves identity theft or hacking.
4. Notify your contacts if scammers might have access to your email, so they don’t fall for fake messages sent in your name.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

There are plenty of tools that can help keep scammers at bay. Most email services have built-in spam filters that automatically detect suspicious messages. You can also install security software that warns you about dangerous websites and attachments.

Consider using a password manager and keeping backups of your important files. That way, if something does go wrong, you can recover your data more easily.

Online Safety Starts with Awareness

Phishing and online scams are becoming more advanced, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. With a mix of awareness, good habits, and the right technology, you can protect your email and your personal information.

Staying safe online isn’t about being paranoid – it’s about being informed. The more you understand how scammers operate, the harder it becomes for them to trick you.