Scams have become a daily part of life online. Emails, text messages, and phone calls can all look convincing, making it difficult to know what is real. Many people feel anxious about clicking the wrong link or sharing personal information, and that is completely understandable.

At Troubleshoot IT, I meet people every week who have received fake messages pretending to be from banks, delivery companies, or even government departments. The good news is that once you know what to look for, spotting scams becomes much easier.

Look closely at the sender

Scammers often use names that sound official but small details give them away. Check the email address or phone number carefully. A genuine message from Australia Post or your bank will come from their real domain, not a random string of letters or a Gmail account.

If something looks unusual, go to the company’s website directly or call them using a verified number. Never click a link to “confirm” your information unless you are certain it is safe.

Watch for urgent or threatening language

Scam messages often try to create panic. They may say things like “your account will be closed” or “urgent payment required.” Real organisations give you time to respond and do not demand action immediately. If a message sounds forceful or threatening, it is probably fake.

Be careful with links and attachments

Never open attachments or links from people you do not know. Hover your mouse over a link to see the actual web address before clicking. If it looks strange or unrelated to the message, delete it straight away.

Scammers also use fake websites that look almost identical to the real thing. Always check for “https” and a padlock icon in the address bar, which show that a site is secure.

Protect your personal information

No genuine company will ask for your password, banking PIN, or full personal details over email or text message. Keep this information private and only share it through official channels you trust.

Stay calm and talk to someone

If you are not sure whether something is real, do not respond immediately. Take a moment, ask a friend or family member, or contact Troubleshoot IT for advice. Talking it through can save you from becoming a target.

Scams are getting more sophisticated, but with a few simple checks you can stay one step ahead. Learning to slow down and question what you see online is one of the best ways to protect yourself.

At Troubleshoot IT, I teach people across Darwin and the Northern Territory, as well as clients across Australia, how to recognise scams and stay safe online. Together, we build confidence so that technology feels empowering, not intimidating.

Need help improving your online safety or checking suspicious messages?
Visit troubleshootit.com.au to book a friendly, one-on-one session and learn practical ways to stay protected online.