Check who really sent it
The name shown at the top can say anything, like Amazon Support. Tap or click on that name to see the actual email address behind it. A real Amazon email comes from an address ending in amazon.com. An address like amazon.support@gmail.com or one with random letters after the at sign is a fake.
Warning signs
- A greeting like Dear Customer instead of your name.
- A deadline or threat: your account will be closed, a payment failed, final notice.
- A receipt for something you never bought, with a number to call to cancel.
- A request to confirm your password, card number, or Social Security number.
- An attachment you were not expecting, especially a zipped file or a document that asks you to enable anything.
- A link whose real address, when you hold your finger on it or point your mouse at it, does not match the company.
The fake receipt trick
A common email shows a large charge for a computer, antivirus software, or a gift card, and lists a phone number to call if you did not order it. There is no charge. The phone number goes to a scammer who will try to get into your computer or bank account. Never call a number from a surprise receipt.
What to do with a suspicious email
- Do not click links, open attachments, or call numbers in the email.
- Open the company's app or type its website address yourself to check your account.
- Use your email's Report phishing or Report spam button if it has one, then delete the email.
- If you already clicked or typed something in, change that password right away from the real website.
Not sure?
You can copy the text of the email into a message to Uncle and ask whether it looks like a known scam. You do not need to include your own email address or account details.
Stuck on a step?
Text Uncle at +1 208 214 0093 and tell him what you see on your screen. He walks you through it in plain words, one step at a time.
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Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
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