Phishing Emails: How to Spot and Stop the Scam
Phishing Emails: How to Spot and Stop the Scam
Phishing emails are one of the most common and dangerous online threats facing computer users today. These scams are designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information—like login credentials, credit card numbers, or personal data. And they work surprisingly well. At ABQ Computer Pros, we’ve seen how a single click can lead to identity theft, stolen funds, or even ransomware infections.
If you're in Albuquerque and concerned about phishing emails, here's what you need to know to protect yourself—and what to do if you've already been fooled.
What Are Phishing Emails?
Phishing emails are fraudulent messages that appear to come from a legitimate source—such as your bank, a delivery company, or even a coworker. The goal is to get you to:
Click on a malicious link
Download an infected attachment
Enter login details into a fake website
Share sensitive information unknowingly
Cybercriminals are constantly improving their tactics, making it harder to spot the fakes.
Common Types of Phishing Scams
Fake Bank Notifications – You receive an email claiming suspicious activity and urging you to "verify" your account.
Delivery Scams – "Your package couldn't be delivered" with a link to reschedule.
Tech Support Scams – Impersonating Microsoft or Apple, claiming your device has a virus.
Business Email Compromise – Hackers pose as a manager or vendor asking for payments or gift cards.
COVID-19 or Government Alerts – Fake updates from government agencies designed to steal info.
No matter the disguise, the goal is always the same: steal your data or install malware.
How to Spot a Phishing Email
Here are some red flags to watch for:
Urgent or threatening language (“Your account will be locked in 24 hours!”)
Poor spelling and grammar
Email addresses that look suspicious or don’t match the sender’s name
Generic greetings (“Dear user” instead of your actual name)
Links that don’t go where they say (hover over them before clicking)
Unexpected attachments
When in doubt, don’t click—verify first.
What to Do If You Clicked a Phishing Link
Disconnect from the internet immediately
Run a full malware scan using a trusted antivirus
Change your passwords—especially for banking, email, and social media
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all important accounts
Contact ABQ Computer Pros for a professional system check and cleanup
Acting quickly can minimize the damage and keep hackers from digging deeper.
How to Stay Protected from Phishing Emails
Use email filtering and spam protection
Keep your system and antivirus software updated
Never click on unknown links or download suspicious files
Educate your family or team on phishing tactics
Set up two-factor authentication wherever possible
Backup your important data regularly
ABQ Computer Pros: Your First Line of Defense Against Phishing Scams
At ABQ Computer Pros, we help Albuquerque residents and small businesses stay safe from email scams, malware, and data theft. Whether you need a system clean-up, staff training, or improved email security, we’ve got you covered.
📍 Proudly serving Albuquerque with honest, reliable computer support and cybersecurity services.
💬 Think you clicked on a phishing email? Don’t panic—call ABQ Computer Pros today and let us secure your system before the damage spreads.
Need fast help or want to upgrade your security? We're just a call away.
