Phishing email examples: 7 illustrations, annotated
Editorially reviewed · Last updated September 8, 2026
Yes — this is a scam. Phishing emails often copy familiar senders and use urgency, attachments, or links to obtain information. These examples show warning signs, not an exhaustive test.
Exhibit · Email
Other versions you might get: The brands change — your bank, a delivery company, a crypto exchange — but the four moves stay the same: a look-alike sender, an alarming or too-good subject, a deadline, and a link that goes somewhere other than where it claims.
What to do right now
- Don't click any link, open attachments, or call a number in the email.
- Check independently. Open the service’s app or official site yourself and contact its support if the claim is unclear. A missing account notice does not by itself settle authenticity.
- If you already interacted: use the exposure-specific recovery steps. If you suspect a harmful download, update security software, scan, and remove detected threats. Opening alone is not proof of safety or compromise.
- Report it. Forward the email to the impersonated company's phishing address (e.g. phishing@paypal.com) and to reportphishing@apwg.org, then file at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Delete it, and mark it as phishing so your inbox filters the next one.
Reduce the risk of another scam
Reading an email is generally less risky than entering credentials or running a download, but it is not a guarantee of safety. Do not open unverified attachments, grant permissions, or follow its links. If you downloaded something or suspect malware, update security software and scan; if you entered details, secure those accounts through official routes.
● Public service · free steps first
Take the free protection steps first
A suspicious message does not tell us how someone found your details. If you shared personal information, start with the official recovery guidance. You can also freeze your credit for free.
- Freeze your credit — free at all three bureausRestricts access to your credit report for new credit applications. It does not protect existing accounts from misuse.
- Report it and get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.govThe FTC walks you through exactly what to do next, for free.
Decide what protection you need
Start with the free controls above. Compare what a paid service would add only after deciding which problem remains.
No purchase needed. How we use evidence.
Frequently asked
What does a phishing email look like?
How can I tell a real email from a phishing one?
What should I do if I clicked a link in a phishing email?
How do I report a phishing email?
Related scams
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Amazon email scam: is that order or account alert real?
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Microsoft email scam: is that account alert real?
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GoFundMe scam: is that fundraiser or message real?
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Synchrony Bank scam: is that message or call real?
A message or call claims to be Synchrony Bank and asks for account details, a login, or urgent payment? Here's how to check the impersonation safely.
Work-from-home scam: is that job offer real?
A remote job promises big money with little work, asks for a fee, or sends a check to deposit? Here are the tells and recovery steps.
Sources
- 01How to recognize and avoid phishing scams— Federal Trade Commission
- 02Recognize and Report Phishing— CISA
- 03How to recognize and report spam text messages— Federal Trade Commission
- 04Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)— FBI
Pass it on
Help protect someone else
If this could have fooled you, it can fool someone you know — a parent, a friend, the family group chat. It's safe to forward, and stands on its own as a record for a bank or the police.