Seniors are targeted every day with emails designed to look official. Some claim your payment failed. Others say your account will be deleted. The goal is always the same. They want you to click a link, reply, or call a phone number so they can steal your information.
A recent message said a senior’s “cloud storage payment expired.” It sounded serious, but everything in the email was fake. The company name didn’t match the email address, the links went somewhere unsafe, and the person didn’t even use that service. Emails like this are extremely common.
Here’s how to recognize them and what to do instead.
What Fake Emails Usually Look Like
- Urgent language. Words like expired, failed, blocked, or final notice are used to scare you.
- Strange sender addresses. Scammers often use random or unusual email names.
- Links or buttons they want you to click right away.
- Company names that don’t match the email address.
- Warnings that your files or photos will be deleted.
- Messages about accounts you don’t even have.
Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
What Not To Do When You’re Unsure
- Do not click any links.
- Do not reply to the email.
- Do not call the phone number inside the message.
- Do not update your payment information through the email.
- Do not panic. That’s exactly what scammers want.
What To Do Instead
- Take a breath. Slow down before taking action.
- Check the real company’s website using Google, not the link in the email.
- Call the company directly using the phone number from their website.
- Check your credit card statement to see if you even pay for the service.
- Delete the email if you’re unsure. Doing nothing is often the safest choice.
- VIP members can forward suspicious emails to us for review.
Why Doing Nothing Is Sometimes the Best Option
Scammers rely on quick reactions. If you pause and think before clicking, replying, or calling, the scam usually falls apart. Many seniors get into trouble because the message feels urgent. But if you simply delete the email and move on, the scam stops right there.
You’re Not Alone
You never have to guess. Help With My Tech is here to help seniors in Mesa, AZ and the surrounding area feel confident with their phones, tablets, and computers. If an email looks strange or confusing, reach out. We can take a quick look and let you know if it’s safe.
If you need help with email scams, password issues, or anything else on your device, you can call or text Help With My Tech at 480-463-7030. We’re always happy to help.