Cybersecurity Tip: Real Phishing Email Examples

The examples below are real emails sent to P.E.O. members. Although the emails use P.E.O. language in an attempt to sound legitimate, there are clear signs these are scams.

• Asking the recipient to purchase gift cards. Never purchase gift cards when asked to do so through email!
• Asking the recipient to send money through Venmo, Zelle or something similar. Never send money when asked to do so through email!
• Creating a sense of urgency by asking for help today and explaining that the sender is busy. This is a clear sign of phishing.
• Referencing a broken phone and telling the recipient not to call. This is another clear sign of phishing.

Example 1

Example 2