POLICE have warned Brits over dangerous scam emails lurking your inbox.

These sinister missives can empty your bank in seconds – but money isn’t the only thing they take.

Don't click a dodgy email – take the time to think about unexpected messages first

1

Don’t click a dodgy email – take the time to think about unexpected messages firstCredit: Unsplash / Google

Phishing emails involve criminals sending you messages pretending to be a business you know and trust, including in trusted email apps like Google Gmail or Microsoft Outlook.

In an official security memo, the City of London Police’s Action Fraud division revealed the danger signs of a scam email – and how to react when you get one.

Falling for a scam email can be a serious problem.

In some cases, it might see you inadvertently transferring cash to criminals – or handing over enough private info for crooks to defraud or extort you.

Gmail and Outlook users warned not to click 8 bank-raiding Royal Mail emails
Gmail users receive a huge upgrade that will change your emails forever

A scam email may also install dangerous malware on your machine, letting criminals spy on you or even hold your files to ransom.

Warning signs to look out for

There are plenty of warning signs that mean a scam email has turned up in your inbox.

For instance, the sender’s email might not match up to the official business’ email.

It might include a generic greeting like “Dear customer” rather than your name.

Most read in Tech

Often scam emails will also try to rush you into acting with a sense of urgency.

“For example the threat that unless you act immediately your account may be closed,” Action Fraud warned.

You might also be asked to click a prominent link or to provide personal information.

This could include your “username, password or bank details”.

Often scam emails will contain spelling or grammar errors.

You’ll usually not be expecting an email from the company that papers to have sent the message, too.

If you see any of these signs – or even multiple – then you should proceed with extreme caution.

In some cases, it can take a single click for you to find your device compromised.

How to stay safe

According to Action Fraud, there are four key ways to stay safe from a scam email.

Firstly, you should avoid clicking any links in the email.

Second: don’t reply to the email or contact the senders in any way.

Third, don’t supply any info to a website that opens if you did end up clicking a link.

Titanic actor known for iconic scene in hit film dies after health battle
Michelle Keegan looks stunning in £200 dress in Ibiza with Mark Wright

And fourth, don’t open any attachments on the email.

Action Fraud added: “If you think you may have compromised the safety of your bank details and/or have lost money due to fraudulent misuse of your cards, you should immediately contact your bank.”

This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk

You May Also Like

Apple Will Take a Smaller Cut of Some App Store Revenues

In one of the biggest changes to the App Store model ever,…

Watch Blue Planet II this weekend along with scientists on Twitter

If you’re looking for a nature documentary to watch this weekend, and…

TikTok Parent’s Founder Zhang Yiming Steps Down as Chairman

SINGAPORE—Zhang Yiming, the founder of ByteDance Ltd. that owns social-media app TikTok,…

The Feds Want You to Destroy This Sneaky Mussel’s Hiding Spot

Daniel showed the pet store manager how to kill the freshwater interloper…