Every day, individuals who are not technology experts receive fraudulent emails similar to the one below. In this example, we will highlight several clear indicators of its illegitimacy and guide you through the process of identifying them, helping you avoid falling victim to such scams.

In the screenshots provided, the sender claims to represent the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Security Team. However, the sender’s email address is stage@smartgamma.dev, which is a clear red flag. Legitimate organizations will always use official domains in their communications.

Another suspicious detail is the salutation, “Dear Valued Customer.” Authentic emails from RBC or any reputable institution typically address recipients by their first or last name. This impersonal greeting is a common sign of phishing attempts designed to cast a wide net. Read More