Spotting a Fake Bank Email

🛡️ Scruffy’s Digital Journy — Example: Spotting a Fake Bank Email

Hi, I’m Scruffy. Christopher explained that fake emails are like trick doors pretending to be safe vaults. At first, I thought every email with a bank logo was real. But Christopher reminded me: your bank will never ask you for your PIN, password, or full details. Let’s look at an example together.

📧 Example of a Fake Bank Email

Subject line: Urgent: Your account will be suspended!   From: secure‑alerts@bank‑verify.com   Message:

Dear Customer, We noticed unusual activity on your account. Please click the link below and enter your PIN and password immediately to avoid suspension. [Click here to verify your account]

🚨 Warning Signs in This Email

• Urgent language: “Your account will be suspended!” — designed to scare you.

• Generic greeting: “Dear Customer” instead of your real name.

• Suspicious sender: bank‑verify.com is not your bank’s official domain.

• Request for details: Asking for PIN and password — banks never do this.

• Fake link: The link doesn’t match your bank’s official website.

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🔐 Scruffy’s Safety Rituals

• Never click links in suspicious emails.

• Check the sender address carefully.

• Call your bank directly using the number on your card if unsure.

• Write down suspicious emails in your notebook for awareness.

• Remember: Your bank will never ask for your PIN, password, or full security details.

  
  

🖱️ Scruffy’s Safety Challenge

"Christopher gave me a challenge to practice. You can try it too:"

1. Open your inbox and look at the sender addresses.

2. Spot one that looks unusual (e.g., spelling errors or strange domains).

3. Write down why it looks suspicious in your notebook.

4. Practice saying “No” to a fake email by deleting it without clicking links.

   
   

✨ Scruffy’s Reflection   At first, I thought every email with a bank logo was safe. But Christopher reminded me: fake emails use urgency and tricks. For learners, that means you can stay safe by remembering one rule — your bank will never ask for your details. Scruffy guards the vault with you.

Report . Protect . Safe

📞 Scruffy’s Banking Safety Reminder

• If you get a suspicious call, text, or email pretending to be from your bank:

  • Hang up immediately

  • Dial 159 — this connects you directly to your bank’s fraud team

  • Never call back on the number given in the suspicious message

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Avoid and report internet scams and phishing: Report internet scams and phishing - GOV.UK

Report, Protect, Safe

Report: Tell someone you trust. or report it online . You don’t have to handle it alone.

Protect: Block, delete, or step away. Your boundaries matter.

Safe: You’ve reported, protected yourself, and now your safe.