Is this email a scam?
Go down this list before you click, pay, or reply. It takes about one minute. Tick each warning sign you see.
Example: a fake "account on hold" email
From: Account Team <alerts@secure-billing-help.co>
Subject: Your account is on hold
Dear Customer, we could not process your payment. Update your card in 24 hours or your service will stop. Click here to update.
Signs here: a sender address that is not the company's, a generic greeting, a deadline, and a link to "update payment." The FTC says real companies will not email or text you a link to update your payment information. (Source: FTC: How to recognize and avoid phishing scams)
What to do if it looks like a scam
- Do not click links, open attachments, or call numbers in the message.
- Go to the company's website by typing it yourself, or use the app you already have. Or call a number from your card or bill.
- Report it. The FTC asks people to report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. CISA also explains how to report phishing: CISA: Recognize and report phishing.
- If you clicked or shared info, see what to do next.
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More guides
- The longer scam email checklist (IRS, package, and bank reset scams)
- Passkeys in plain language
- 2FA: app or text message?
- After a data breach
- Email safety for tiny offices
Links checked November 5, 2026. If a page moved, search the agency site for the title.