Referral key spam email

The classic "referral key" spam email!

Here's an example of what it might look like:

Subject: Your Referral Key to Unlock Exclusive Offers!

Dear [Name],

We're thrilled to inform you that you've been selected to receive a special referral key, exclusively designed for valued customers like you!

This key grants you access to a limited-time offer, featuring:

To redeem your referral key, simply click the link below and enter the code REFKEY123 at checkout.

[Insert suspicious-looking link]

Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity! Redeem your referral key today and start enjoying the benefits.

Best regards, [Name]

Red flags:

  1. Urgency: The email creates a sense of urgency by stating that the offer is "limited-time only" and "exclusive" to create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out).
  2. Suspicious link: The link is likely to be malicious, as it's not a legitimate link from a reputable company.
  3. Lack of personalization: The email is generic and doesn't address you by your actual name or contain any personalized information.
  4. Overly promotional: The email is trying to sell you something, which is unusual for a referral key.
  5. Poor grammar and spelling: The email contains grammatical errors and poor spelling, which is uncommon for a legitimate company.

What to do:

  1. Delete the email: Don't click on the link or respond to the email. It's likely a phishing attempt.
  2. Report the email: Mark the email as spam or report it to your email provider.
  3. Verify with the company: If you're unsure about the authenticity of the email, contact the company directly to verify the offer.

Remember, if an email seems too good to be true or creates a sense of urgency, it's likely a scam. Always be cautious and verify the authenticity of emails before taking any action.