How to Spot Fake Emails and Scams in Gmail
Five warning signs of a fake email: (1) The sender's email looks weird — extra letters or numbers. (2) It says 'urgent' or threatens to close your account. (3) Asks for your password, Social Security number, or bank info. (4) Has bad spelling or grammar. (5) The link goes to a strange website. When in doubt, don't click — call the company directly.
Five warning signs of a fake email: (1) The sender's email looks weird — extra letters or numbers. (2) It says 'urgent' or threatens to close your account. (3) Asks for your password, Social Security number, or bank info. (4) Has bad spelling or grammar. (5) The link goes to a strange website. When in doubt, don't click — call the company directly.
Step-by-step practice mode
Click through each step to practice. The screens look like the real Gmail app — but nothing here changes anything in your real account or device.
You're in! This is your Gmail inbox
This is what your real Gmail inbox looks like. Your emails appear in the list.
Click any email to open it. To write a new email, click the red 'Compose' button on the left.
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Look at the sender's email address closely
Click the small arrow next to the sender's name to see the full address. Real Google emails come from @google.com. Scams use addresses like google-security@xyz.com.
- 2
Watch for urgent or scary language
Scams say things like 'Your account will be closed in 24 hours!' or 'Suspicious activity detected — verify NOW!' Real companies don't pressure you like that.
- 3
Never give passwords by email
Google, your bank, and the IRS will NEVER ask for your password by email. If an email asks, it's a scam. Always.
- 4
Check the spelling
Real companies have professional writers. Lots of typos, weird grammar, or strange phrases ('Dear Valued Costumer') = scam.
- 5
Don't click links — go directly
Even if the email looks real, don't click the link. Open a new browser tab and type the company's website yourself (like google.com or chase.com). Sign in there to check.
- 6
Report it as spam and delete
Click the exclamation-mark icon at the top to report it as spam. Then delete it. Don't reply, don't unsubscribe — that just confirms your email is real to scammers.
What if it's not working?
Problem: I already clicked a link in a scam email
How to fix: Don't panic. Close the browser tab right away. Don't enter any passwords. Run a virus scan. If you typed a password before realizing, change that password immediately at the real website.
Problem: I gave them my password — what now?
How to fix: Change your password right now at the real website. Turn on 2-Step Verification. Check your account for unauthorized changes. Call us at 347-953-1531 if you need help.
Problem: Scammer is calling my phone now
How to fix: Hang up immediately. Do not give them any information. They got your phone from somewhere — likely the email scam. Block their number. Tell family members.
Problem: I'm getting tons of these emails
How to fix: Mark each as spam (not delete — Spam helps Gmail learn). After a few weeks, Gmail's filter gets very good at catching them automatically.
Frequently asked questions
What is phishing?
Phishing is when scammers send fake emails pretending to be a real company (Google, your bank, Amazon) to trick you into giving them your password or money. The word comes from 'fishing' — they're fishing for your info.
How can I tell a real Google email from a fake one?
Real Google emails come from @google.com or @accounts.google.com. They never ask for your password. They show your account name (not 'Dear Customer'). When unsure, go directly to google.com instead of clicking links.
What should I do if I get a scam email about my Social Security?
Delete it. Real Social Security never emails about benefits — they mail you a letter. If you want to check, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (don't use any number from the email).
Are emails saying I won a lottery real?
No. 100% scam, every time. You cannot win a lottery you didn't enter. They want you to send 'fees' to claim a prize that doesn't exist. Delete and don't reply.
What about emails from my 'grandchild' asking for money?
This is a common scam. If you get one, call your grandchild directly at their normal phone number to check. Never send money based on an email — even one that sounds like it's from family.
Should I open suspicious emails to see what they say?
It's safer not to. Just opening an email tells scammers your address is real. If you want to look, do it carefully — don't click any links or buttons inside.
What if Gmail marks a real email as spam?
It happens occasionally. Check your Spam folder once a week. If you find a real email there, click it and click 'Not spam' at the top. Future emails from that sender will go to your inbox.
Related guides
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