From village schools to multi-site federations we have services adjusted to your needs, meaning you can be teaching our next generation secure in the knowledge we have it covered!
Your work is more important than worrying about IT issues, we have a fully adaptable range of services to make sure your focus remains on the task at hand!
7 Signs You’re Being Phished: How to Spot and Stop Email Scams
JSL Services
Introduction
Phishing remains one of the most common and costly cyber threats facing UK businesses today. Whether you’re a growing SME or an established enterprise, a single click on a malicious link can expose sensitive data, compromise customer trust, and even halt operations.
While phishing emails are becoming more sophisticated, the good news is that many still carry warning signs. By knowing what to look for, you can train your staff, protect your data, and build a stronger line of defence.
Here are seven key signs you might be the target of a phishing attempt — and what you can do about it.
The Email Is Poorly Written
Phishing emails often contain spelling mistakes, unusual grammar, or awkward phrasing. While this can look unprofessional, it’s not always accidental. Some scammers deliberately include errors to filter out less observant recipients — increasing their chances of tricking someone who isn’t paying attention.
Tip: Encourage your team to pause if something feels “off” about the wording. A second pair of eyes can make all the difference.
It Contains Unsolicited Attachments
Legitimate businesses rarely send unexpected attachments. Files from unknown senders can contain malware designed to steal credentials or infect systems.
Tip: If in doubt, never open the attachment. Instead, contact the company directly using a verified phone number or website.
There’s Urgency Involved
“Your account will be closed in 24 hours unless you act now.” Sound familiar? Scammers often use urgency and fear to pressure people into making mistakes.
Tip: Slow down. If an email is forcing a quick decision, that’s your cue to double-check its legitimacy.
It Sounds Too Good to Be True
Unmissable prizes, tax refunds, or exclusive offers are classic phishing tactics. They’re designed to tempt you into clicking before you think.
Tip: If it sounds too good to be true, it almost always is. Verify offers independently before engaging.
It Doesn’t Address You by Name
Phishing emails are often mass-sent, with little or no personalisation. A vague “Dear Customer” is a common warning sign.
Tip: Genuine organisations you already work with will normally use your name and account details. Be wary of generic greetings.
The Email Address Looks Altered
Scammers frequently spoof email addresses to appear legitimate. For example, john@paypalsecure123.com may look close to PayPal but isn’t the real domain.
Tip: Hover over the sender’s email or any links before clicking. Check for subtle misspellings or odd domains.
How to Protect Your Business Against Phishing
Spotting phishing is just the first step. To truly safeguard your organisation, you need:
Regular staff training on recognising phishing attempts
Email filtering tools to block malicious content
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect accounts even if passwords are compromised
Incident response planning to minimise damage if an attack succeeds
At JSL, we help SMEs strengthen their cyber resilience with proactive security, monitoring, and staff awareness training.
Conclusion
Phishing may be one of the oldest tricks in the cybercriminal’s playbook, but it remains effective because businesses and staff are often unprepared. By staying alert to these seven red flags and putting proactive measures in place, you can keep your business — and your customers’ trust — safe.
Ready to protect your business against phishing and other cyber threats? Contact JSL today to make IT simple and secure.
Download the 7 Signs You’re Being Phished Infographic here:
