Email scams are getting harder to spot and easier to fall for 😬 Whether it’s pretending to be Australia Post, Telstra, or the ATO, scammers are always finding new ways to trick people into clicking.
At Ballarat Tech Help, we regularly help locals clean up after scam clicks and we’d rather help you avoid the mess in the first place. Here’s how to spot a scam email before it gets you.
1. Check the Email Address (Not Just the Name)
The issue: Scammers spoof real names, but the email address often gives them away.
The fix:
- Click or hover on the sender’s name to reveal the actual email.
- Watch out for weird domains like
@secure-mygov-verify.comor misspellings like@australiap0st.com
Legit companies use simple, official domains like @ato.gov.au, @auspost.com.au, etc.
2. Look for Urgency or Fear Tactics
The issue: Scammers try to panic you into clicking.
Examples:
- “Your account will be locked in 24 hours!”
- “You’ve been charged $799. Click here to cancel.”
If it sounds scary and demands immediate action it’s likely a scam.
3. Don’t Click Links or Download Attachments
The issue: Scam emails often contain malicious links or files.
The fix:
- Hover over links to preview the URL (on desktop).
- Don’t download attachments you weren’t expecting.
- When in doubt, visit the company’s website directly instead.
4. Check for Bad Spelling, Grammar, or Weird Formatting
The issue: Many scam emails are rushed or translated poorly.
The fix:
- Read carefully. Does it sound off? Does it greet you as “Dear Customer” instead of by name?
- Reputable companies don’t send out broken or sloppy emails.
5. Ask Someone You Trust (Like Us!)
If you’re ever unsure don’t click anything. Forward the email to someone tech-savvy, or give us a shout. It’s always better to double-check.
What to Do If You Did Click
If you’ve clicked a suspicious link:
- Disconnect from the internet (if you suspect a virus)
- Run a full antivirus scan immediately
- Change your passwords especially if you entered any info
- Contact your bank if you entered financial details
- Call us if you’re unsure what to do next we can help you safely clean up
Need Help? You’re Not Alone.
We’ve seen it all from fake Telstra bills to “delivery” texts that install malware. If you’re in Ballarat and think you’ve received or clicked on a scam email, we can help clean things up fast.
📞 Ballarat Tech Help
✅ Friendly. Local. No judgement.
