How do you recognize suspicious emails and messages?

Cybercriminals often use the same tricks. If you learn to recognize these signs, you're already one step ahead.

1. “Press now!” or urgent language

Fraudsters want you to act quickly without thinking.

Examples:

• “Your package will be returned, please pay within 2 hours.”

• “Your account will be blocked unless you log in now.”

• “Confirm your details immediately.”

Real organizations rarely use such pressure.

2. Strange sender or email address

Always check the return address. If you're unsure, it's often incorrect.

Suspect:

• info@post-nl-bezorging.online

• rabobank-beveiliging@secure-mailservice.com

Real:

• @postnl.nl

• @rabobank.nl

3. Spelling mistakes, strange Dutch or weird sentences

Many phishing messages are poorly translated.

4. Incorrect links

Hover your mouse over a link (don't click!)
→ Do you see a strange or unknown website? Then it's fake.

Real:
postnl.nl
Fake:
postnl-bezorger-veilig.bestelling.com

5. Attachments you don't expect

Blacklist of dangerous attachments:

• .zip

• .exe

• .pdf which is strangely named

• Fake invoices

Never open attachments you aren't expecting.