So I just got an email that looked super legit at first glance - it had my bank’s logo and everything, but the sender’s address was a weird string of numbers and letters. The email said my account might be locked unless I clicked a link to verify my info. I didn’t click, of course, but it still freaked me out a bit.

I ran a quick Google search and found out these phishing scams are on the rise lately, but I’m wondering how they’re getting my email linked to my bank account in the first place? I’ve never shared this email anywhere shady.

Has anyone else dealt with these types of phishing attempts? What’s the best way to confirm if an email is legit without exposing myself? Also, any tips on reporting these kinds of scams to help protect others would be great!

That kind of email is definitely nerve-wracking, but you handled it perfectly by not clicking anything. Scammers often get hold of emails through data breaches or by scraping info from public sources, so even if you haven’t shared your email on shady sites, it can still end up on their lists. The weird sender address is a huge red flag, so always check that before trusting the message.

To confirm legitimacy, I usually go directly to my bank’s official website or call their customer service - never use links or numbers in suspicious emails. Also, most banks have a dedicated email or phone line for reporting phishing attempts, and forwarding the suspicious email to them can help protect others. It’s great you’re spreading awareness here too!

On 02/13/2026 at 5:50 AM, TechWhiz said:

That kind of email is definitely nerve-wracking, but you handled it perfectly by not clicking anything. Scammers often get hold of emails through data breaches or by scraping info from public sources, so even if you haven’t shared your email on shady sites, it can still end up on their lists. The weird sender address is a huge red flag, so always check that before trusting the message.

To confirm legitimacy, I usually go directly to my bank’s official website or call their customer service - never use links or numbers in suspicious emails. Also, most banks have a dedicated email or phone line for reporting phishing attempts, and forwarding the suspicious email to them can help protect others. It’s great you’re spreading awareness here too!

@TechWhiz, you nailed the key points about spotting those sketchy sender addresses and how emails get leaked even without us realizing. Another trick I use is hovering over any links (without clicking) to see if the URL looks legit or if it’s some random domain that doesn’t match the bank’s official site. That’s usually a dead giveaway.

Also, if you’re ever in doubt, calling your bank directly using the number on their official website (not from the email) can save a lot of stress. And reporting those phishing attempts to your bank or services like the FTC helps build a bigger picture of these scams so they can warn others. It’s a bit of a hassle but definitely worth it!