Digital Foundations™A program of The Luc Cochran Foundation
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Spotting Suspicious Emails

The warning signs in a message that is trying to trick you. This course is written in plain language, moves at your pace, and never assumes you have used technology before. Every lesson includes clear steps, examples and a short knowledge check so you can be sure the skill stuck.

Duration
45 min
Lessons
6 lessons
Quizzes
1 quiz
Instructor
The Luc Cochran Foundation
Last updated
Updated August 31, 2026

What you’ll learn

  • Identify a suspicious email and handle it safely

Course curriculum

Recognizing the Sender

Learn how to look closely at who is actually sending you a message.

  1. 1Checking the Sender AddressIdentify the difference between a display name and an actual email address.8 min
  2. 2Urgent and Threatening LanguageIdentify emotional triggers used by scammers to force quick decisions.7 min

Analyzing Content and Links

Examine the body of the email and the hidden destinations of links.

  1. 1The Hover Test for LinksSafely inspect where a link goes before clicking it.10 min
  2. 2Grammar and Generic GreetingsSpot impersonal language and writing errors common in phishing.6 min

Taking Safe Action

What to do once you have identified a suspicious email.

  1. 1The Danger of AttachmentsUnderstand how malicious software is delivered via email files.8 min
  2. 2Reporting and BlockingClean up your inbox and prevent future scams.9 min

Spotting Suspicious Emails Quiz

Passing score 70% · unlimited attempts

Take quiz

Who this course is for

  • Adults new to technology
  • Seniors building confidence
  • Job seekers
  • Students and families