In today’s online world, knowing how to recognise a scam email before you click can protect your privacy, your bank account, and your peace of mind.

Whether you’re new to using email or have been at it for years, scams can look convincing — even friendly. But with a few simple tips, you’ll learn to spot the warning signs and stay safe online.

You don’t need to be techy to fall for a scam — scammers rely on speed and panic. But once you know what to look for, you can pause, double-check, and avoid clicking something risky.

Learning how to recognise a scam email before you click is one of the most important online safety steps you can take.

1. The sender’s email address looks odd

Look closely at the full email address — not just the name you see at first.
For example:

• Looks OK: service@paypal.com

• Suspicious: paypa1@secure-alerts.ru

2. Strange subject lines or urgent language

Scam emails often try to scare you into acting fast:

• “Your account will be closed!”

• “We’ve locked your device — act now!”

If the email makes you panic or rush, it’s a red flag.

3. Spelling or grammar mistakes

Legitimate companies usually check their emails. Scam emails often have:

• Random capital letters

• Spelling mistakes

• Awkward phrases like:
  “You account has beed compromised. Please verify immediately!”

4. Strange links or attachments

Never click links or open attachments unless you’re sure who it’s from.

You can hover over (not click) the link with your mouse to see where it really goes.

5. They ask for personal details

No real company will ask you to:

• Share your password

• Send your bank details

• Confirm your identity by clicking a form

Even if something feels off, don’t panic. Instead:

1. Don’t click.

2. Check with the company directly by visiting their official website (not through the email).

3. Report it. Most email platforms have a “Report phishing” or “Mark as scam” option.

4. Delete it.

Here’s a simplified version of a scam email I received recently:

From: appleid@secure-login.net
Subject: “URGENT: Your Apple ID is locked”

“Your account has been disabled for suspicious activity. Click here to restore access now.”

🔎 What gave it away:

• The email address wasn’t from @apple.com

• No personal name — just “Dear customer”

• Urgent tone and a weird link

Consider turning on two-factor authentication for your main accounts (like Gmail, Facebook, or your bank). That way, even if someone gets your password, they still can’t log in.

If you’re part of Wealthy Affiliate, check out their lessons on basic online safety — they’re super beginner-friendly and perfect if you want to learn more without feeling overwhelmed.

You don’t have to be an expert to stay safe.
You just need to pause, look, and question before you click.

Have you ever received a scam email that made you hesitate?
Tell me about it in the comments — I’d love to share tips with you.

My website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support my mission to bring you quality content.

Plus, search engines love updated content. From an SEO point of view, giving an old post a little TLC can do more good than publishing something brand new.  And for you? It’s a time-saver. You’re building on something you’ve already created. Like pruning a garden rather than planting from scratch.

So, how do you know which posts deserve your attention? Here’s where your inner detective comes in:

• Check your analytics: Which posts used to get traffic but have now slowed?

• Read through with fresh eyes: Does the post still make sense today?

• Review the comments: Have readers asked questions that you never got round to answering?

• Check for outdated info: Tools, stats, or links that no longer serve your audience?

Once you’ve got your list, highlight the ones that are still relevant to your audience today. Prioritise those.

Updating is more than a quick edit. Here’s how to do it with intention:

1. Start with your headline – Is it still clear and engaging?

2. Check your intro – Does it hook the reader quickly?

3. Update outdated content – Replace old info with new stats, quotes, tools, or screenshots.

4. Add value – Can you expand sections, add FAQs, or clarify points?

5. Check for broken links – Swap them out with working, helpful sources.

6. Improve readability – Break up long paragraphs, add headings and bullet points.

If your post has a new angle, update the publish date so readers know it’s fresh.

Don’t let your updated post sit quietly!

• Share it on your social media platforms
• Add a note like “Updated for 2025” to show it’s fresh
• Send it to your email list — it’s new to someone!
• Mention it in other related blog posts to link it internally

Now you know how to update an old blog post in a way that’s meaningful — both for your readers and for search engines.

Have you got a post in mind that could use a bit of care? Or maybe you’ve just updated one and want to share it?

Let me know in the comments — or tag me when you post it. I’d love to see what you’re working on.

Wealthy Affiliate is where I first learned the power of content updates. They offer training, tools, and a community that truly supports beginners.

Here’s a little transparency: My website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support my mission to bring you quality content.

Blogging and essay writing might sound like distant cousins — but really, blogging isn’t the same as writing essays, and if you’ve ever felt stuck thinking your blog post needs to read like a school assignment, let’s get rid of that mindset now.

Blogging isn’t the same as writing essays when it comes to structure, too. A traditional essay follows a strict format: introduction, argument, conclusion.

Blog posts, on the other hand, breathe a little easier. You might start with a personal story, drop in a list of tips, and wrap with a simple call to action.

Instead of paragraphs packed with heavy language, blog posts often use:

• Short sentences

• Bullet points

• Subheadings

• Real talk

This makes your content easier to scan and far more enjoyable for your audience — especially beginners just starting their online journey.

Blogging isn’t the same as writing essays because blogs put the reader at the centre. It’s not about proving what you know — it’s about helping someone else learn, laugh, or feel less alone.

That’s why clarity matters more than complexity. Forget long intros and confusing words. Your goal is to:

• Solve a problem

• Answer a question

• Offer encouragement

This mindset shift makes writing easier and more effective.

If you want your blog to grow and rank well on Google, it’s worth understanding a little thing called E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.

This isn’t scary — it just means showing you know your stuff, writing from real experience, and being honest with your readers. You don’t need a degree — you need to be helpful.

Wealthy Affiliate, for example, helped me understand how to build trust in my content, structure my posts, and build an online presence. It’s worth exploring if you want a structured path to growing your blog

Finally, let’s talk future. Blogging isn’t the same as writing essays, and it never will be — because it keeps evolving.

• Micro-blogging on social media

• AI tools to help brainstorm and polish

• Short-form videos or embedded tutorials

• Interactive content like quizzes or polls

You don’t need to chase every trend, but knowing what’s possible opens up options. And the blog itself? Still the best place to share your voice in full.

Has this post changed how you see blogging?

I’d love to hear what feels different or clearer now that we’ve untangled it from essay writing.

Leave a comment below and share your biggest writing worry — or the thing you’re most excited to blog about.

Here’s a little transparency: My website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support my mission to bring you quality content.