Spot Email Scams: FBI’s Key Words to Watch For

The FBI has issued a warning about two common phrases often found in scam emails used by cybercriminals. The issue, which has been on the rise, poses a growing concern in the digital landscape.

Recognising Scam Emails

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received over 4,500 reports in 2024 related to email fraud, resulting in an estimated $96 million in losses. The agency highlights that scam emails frequently include phrases such as “act fast” or “act quickly.” These messages often create a false sense of urgency, pressuring recipients into immediate action without proper verification.

Examples of such fraudulent messages include:

• “Act fast! We need your donation within 24 hours to help disaster victims.”
• “Your account will be suspended if you don’t update your information now. Click here to avoid closure.”
• “Exclusive offer: Only available for a limited time. Respond immediately to secure your spot.”
• “Final chance! Transfer the requested amount before this urgent aid expires.”
• “Suspicious activity detected in your account. Respond immediately to protect your information.”

These messages are designed to exploit emotions and force victims to act without taking time to verify the sender’s legitimacy.

FBI Recommendations to Avoid Email Scams

To protect yourself from email scams, the FBI advises the following steps:

1. Research Charities Before Donating: Use online searches to verify the legitimacy of charitable organisations, looking for news articles, reviews, or reports of fraud. Confirm the organisation’s registration with the appropriate regulatory authority.
2. Validate Crowdfunding Campaigns: Check the organiser’s authenticity, confirm that the beneficiaries are real, and ensure the need is legitimate. Use reverse image search tools to verify associated images and stories.
3. Avoid Sending Payments to Unknown Sources: Do not send money to unfamiliar individuals or organisations requesting financial help.
4. Be Skeptical of Unknown Messages: Avoid opening or replying to emails, messages, or links from unknown senders. Be especially cautious of charitable requests.
5. Check Email Headers: Inspect headers and domain information in emails to evaluate their legitimacy. Avoid messages from free email services or suspicious locations.
6. Protect Personal and Financial Information: Never provide sensitive details to unknown senders.
7. Avoid Additional Payments: If you have fallen victim to a scam, do not pay extra fees to recover lost funds.

How to Report a Scam Message

To report a scam email, take these steps:

• Avoid Interaction: Do not respond, click on links, or download attachments, as these actions could compromise your device or provide information to scammers.
• Document the Message: Gather relevant details, such as full email headers for scam emails or screenshots for messages on social media or messaging apps.
• Notify Authorities: In the U.S., report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) via its official portal. In other countries, contact the government agency responsible for cybersecurity or online fraud prevention, many of which have online reporting forms.
• Inform the Service Provider: Report the scam to the platform where it was received, such as Gmail or Outlook for emails.

By staying vigilant and following these recommendations, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to email scams and protect your personal and financial information.