How to Spot a Phishing Email

Summary

Phishing emails try to trick you into giving up personal information — like passwords, bank details, or Social Security numbers — by pretending to be from a trusted source.

Body

How to recognize a phishing email:

  • Urgent or threatening language: “Your account will be suspended,” “You’ve won a gift card,” or “Immediate action required.”
  • Generic greetings: “Dear Student” or “Hello user” instead of using your name.
  • Suspicious links: Hover over links before clicking. If the address looks strange (e.g., login.yourschool.verify.ru) — don’t click.
  • Unexpected attachments: These can install malware on your device.
  • Sender looks close, but not quite right: Example: admin@support-student.com vs. your actual school domain.

Common scams targeting students:

  • Fake job offers or internships
  • “Part-time assistant” roles that ask for personal banking info
  • Messages claiming to be from the IT department asking you to "verify your account"

Common scams targeting faculty and staff:

  • Unexpected SharePoint links
  • "Generous donations" from an anonymous person
  • Invitations to collaborate on department materials external to your division

What to do if you suspect phishing:

  • Don’t click links or download files.
  • Don’t reply or provide any info.
  • Report the email

Reporting Emails as Phishing in Outlook

From the Outlook Ribbon Bar

  1. In the Outlook Ribbon, click Report

    Screenshot of "Old" Outlook Junk Mail box. Primary focus is the top ribbon bar. Towards the middle of the ribbon bar there is a shield icon with an exclamation mark in the center of the shield. Under the shield is the word "report"
  2. On the pop up box that appears, click Report
    Outlook pop up box with the heading "Report Phishing". There is the option to check a box to not see this dialogue box again. Below this check box, there are two buttons: Report on the left Cancel on the Right. Click Report to report the email as phishing

From the Email Preview List

  1. Right-Click the email in question from the email preview list

  2. From the right-click options menu, click Report Email

    Right Click options menu. Report is the 4th option from the bottom of the list
  3. On the pop up box that appears, click ReportOutlook pop up box with the heading "Report Phishing". There is the option to check a box to not see this dialogue box again. Below this check box, there are two buttons: Report on the left Cancel on the Right. Click Report to report the email as phishing

Need More Help?

Connect with PVCC Technology Services:

434.961.5400

help@pvcc.edu

Room M832 in the Main Building (Campus Map)

Details

Details

Article ID: 158096
Created
Tue 8/12/25 1:17 PM
Modified
Mon 7/20/26 2:22 PM