Email has become one of the primary ways we communicate with customers, coworkers, vendors, and businesses. Unfortunately, it has also become one of the most common ways cybercriminals try to steal information and money.

Recently, Fyresite became aware of phishing emails being sent to our clients using email addresses designed to look like they came from our company. While we quickly informed our clients that these messages were fraudulent, it served as an important reminder that everyone can benefit from a refresher on recognizing email scams.

The good news is that most scams follow familiar patterns. Once you know what to look for, they’re much easier to spot.

Phishing

Phishing is the most common type of email scam. In fact, it’s so common that most email providers automatically filter thousands of phishing emails every day. However, some still make it through to your inbox.

Phishing occurs when a scammer pretends to be someone you trust, such as your bank, a software provider, a coworker, or a company you regularly do business with. Their goal is to convince you to click a malicious link, download an infected attachment, or provide sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or login credentials.

The term “phishing” comes from the idea of casting bait and waiting for someone to bite.

How to Spot a Phishing Email

Some common warning signs include:

  • The sender’s email address doesn’t match the company they claim to represent.
  • The email creates urgency or panic.
  • You’re asked to verify your password or payment information.
  • Links lead to unfamiliar websites.
  • The email contains poor grammar or awkward language.
  • Unexpected attachments are included.

A Real Example

The phishing attempts targeting Fyresite clients used email addresses such as:

While these addresses may look convincing at first glance, they do not come from Fyresite.

Every legitimate Fyresite employee sends email from the official @fyresite.com domain. If you receive an email claiming to be from Fyresite that doesn’t end in @fyresite.com, it’s fraudulent.

When in doubt, contact your usual Fyresite representative before clicking anything.

Business Email Compromise (BEC)

Business Email Compromise scams are more sophisticated than traditional phishing.

Instead of sending thousands of generic emails, scammers research a company and impersonate executives, employees, vendors, or partners.
A fake email might say:

“I’m in a meeting right now. Can you urgently wire $18,000 to this account?” or “We’ve updated our banking information. Please send future invoices here.”
Because these emails often contain accurate names, titles, and company information, they’re much more convincing.

How to Protect Yourself

Never approve:

  • Wire transfers
  • Banking changes
  • Gift card purchases
  • Password resets

based solely on an email.

Always verify the request using a known phone number or another communication method.

Charity and Donation Scams

Whenever there’s a natural disaster, humanitarian crisis, or major news event, scammers move quickly.

They know people genuinely want to help, so they create fake charities, donation pages, and fundraising campaigns.

Some even copy the branding of legitimate nonprofits.

Warning Signs

  • Pressure to donate immediately
  • Requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers
  • Unfamiliar charities you’ve never heard of
  • Donation links that don’t match the official organization’s website

Before donating, visit the charity’s official website directly rather than clicking a link from an email.

Invoice and Payment Scams

Businesses receive invoices every day, making fake invoices particularly effective.

A scammer may send an invoice that appears to come from:

  • Microsoft
  • Adobe
  • Shopify
  • UPS
  • FedEx
  • Your web developer
  • Your marketing agency

The goal is to convince someone in accounting to pay a fake invoice before realizing it’s fraudulent.

Protect Yourself

Always verify unexpected invoices with the company using contact information you already have, not the information included in the email.

Package Delivery Scams

Many people order products online every week, making shipping notifications an easy target.

Scammers send fake messages claiming:

  • Your package couldn’t be delivered.
  • You owe a customs fee.
  • Your shipment is waiting.
  • Your address needs to be confirmed.

Clicking the provided link may install malware or lead to a fake login page designed to steal your credentials. Instead, check your order directly through the retailer or shipping company’s official website.

Password Reset Scams

Receiving a password reset email can be alarming, especially if you didn’t request one.

Scammers often imitate companies like:

  • Microsoft
  • Google
  • Apple
  • Amazon
  • Shopify

The fake email encourages you to “secure your account” by clicking a malicious link. If you receive an unexpected password reset email, don’t click the email link. Instead, visit the company’s website directly and log in normally.

Tech Support Scams

Some emails claim your computer has been infected or your account has been compromised. They encourage you to call a phone number or install “security software.”

The person on the phone then attempts to:

  • Gain remote access to your computer
  • Install malware
  • Charge fake repair fees
  • Steal banking information

Legitimate companies rarely contact customers proactively about computer infections.

Spoofing

Spoofing is the technique scammers use to make an email appear legitimate.

They may:

  • Register a lookalike domain
  • Use a free Gmail account with a company name
  • Replace letters with similar-looking characters
  • Copy logos and signatures

The goal is simply to make you trust the message long enough to click. Always check the actual sender’s email address, not just the display name.

How to Protect Yourself

Fortunately, avoiding most email scams comes down to a few simple habits.

  • Verify the Sender
    • Always check the complete email address, not just the sender’s name.
  • Don’t Rush
    • Scammers rely on urgency. Take a moment before responding.
  • Hover Before Clicking
    • On desktop, hover over links to preview where they’ll actually take you.
  • Never Share Sensitive Information
    • Legitimate companies rarely ask for passwords, MFA codes, or payment information through email.
  • Enable Multi Factor Authentication
    • Even if your password is stolen, MFA provides another layer of protection.
  • Keep Software Updated
    • Updates often include important security patches that protect against newly discovered threats.
  • Ask Questions
    • If an email feels unusual, contact the company directly using contact information you already know is legitimate.

What to Do if You Think You’ve Been Scammed

If you accidentally clicked a suspicious link or shared information:

  • Change your password immediately.
  • Enable multi factor authentication if it isn’t already enabled.
  • Contact your bank or credit card provider if financial information was shared.
  • Run a malware scan on your computer.
  • Notify your IT department or service provider.
  • Report the phishing email as spam.
  • Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.

The sooner you respond, the more damage you can often prevent.

Stay Vigilant

Email scams continue to evolve, but the tactics behind them remain surprisingly consistent. Whether it’s a phishing attempt, fake invoice, donation scam, or spoofed email, scammers all rely on one thing: convincing someone to act before they stop and verify.

At Fyresite, we’re committed to helping our clients stay safe online. If you ever receive an email claiming to be from Fyresite and aren’t sure whether it’s legitimate, don’t click any links or reply directly.

Instead, reach out to your regular Fyresite contact or email [email protected] from a new message. We’ll be happy to verify whether the communication is genuine.