Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated — and phishing emails are no longer the obvious, typo-filled messages they once were. At [Your Company Name], we actively monitor, detect, and analyze phishing attempts across client environments. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain and sharing real phishing emails we’ve intercepted — and exactly how to spot them before they trick you or your team.
🚨 Real Phishing Example #1: “Unusual Login Alert from Microsoft”
Subject line: “Security alert: sign-in attempt detected”
Why it worked: It mimics Microsoft branding and uses urgency to trigger panic.
Red flags:
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The sender email was “security@m1crosoft-notify.com”
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The link redirects to a fake Microsoft login page
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Grammar is just slightly off: “We detected an unusuals sign-in attempt”
What to do: Never click login links from emails. Instead, go directly to the site (e.g., microsoft.com) to verify.
📦 Real Phishing Example #2: “Your Package is Being Held”
Subject line: “UPS: Delivery Issue — Action Required”
Why it worked: Targets remote workers who expect frequent packages.
Red flags:
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The “Track your package” button links to a domain like
ups-help-verify.com -
No reference number or specific delivery details
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Generic greeting (“Dear Customer”)
What to do: Go to the actual UPS website and enter your tracking number instead of clicking any links in the message.
💼 Real Phishing Example #3: “Payroll Update Request”
Subject line: “Urgent: Update Your Direct Deposit Details”
Why it worked: It pretends to come from HR/payroll.
Red flags:
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Comes from a spoofed internal email address (e.g., “payroll@your-compnay.com”)
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The link leads to a fake login portal that mimics your HR system
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Slight domain misspelling or use of international characters (e.g., “your-cᴏmpany.com”)
What to do: Confirm any HR-related messages directly with your HR team before taking action.
🔍 How to Spot a Phishing Email (Checklist)
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✅ Check the sender’s email address
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✅ Hover over links to see the actual URL
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✅ Look for urgent or threatening language
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✅ Be wary of misspellings and odd grammar
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✅ Never share credentials via email
🛡 How to Protect Yourself and Your Company
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Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
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Train employees regularly using real examples
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Use email filtering and threat detection tools
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Report suspicious emails immediately to your IT/security team
Final Thoughts
Phishing emails are one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to your network. The good news? A little awareness goes a long way. Share this post with your team, talk through the signs, and keep your organization one step ahead of cybercriminals.
Need help building out your phishing defenses? Contact us to learn how we can train your team and secure your systems.
