Have you ever received an email or text message saying “Your order has shipped” or “Order confirmation #12345”, even when you didn’t buy anything recently? It feels urgent, maybe even panicky, and it’s exactly what scammers count on.
Phishing emails and texts are one of the most common tricks online fraudsters use to steal personal information, payment details, or even access to your accounts. At EverTry, we believe knowledge is your best defense. By the end of this article, you’ll learn how to spot phishing attempts, defend yourself, and what to do if something slips past your guard.
How Big is the Problem?
- Every day, over 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent worldwide. That’s about 1.2% of all email traffic.
- Online shops are often the target. Between January and June 2022, about 17.2% of all phishing attacks were aimed at users of online shops.
- In a U.S. survey, 63% of adults reported that they receive scam or phishing emails at least weekly. For texts, the number is slightly lower but still significant.
So this isn’t rare. It’s happening all the time.
What Are Phishing Emails and Texts in Shopping?
These are deceptive messages (emails or SMS/text) that mimic real order confirmations, shipping notices, or tracking links. They pretend to be from brands you might trust, Amazon, PayPal, your bank, delivery services—anything to make you believe something has gone wrong or needs your immediate attention.
Common tricks include:
- A message saying “You’ve just placed an order” when you didn’t
- “Your package is delayed. Click here to track.”
- “Update your payment method” or “Your billing info expired.”
- Fake invoices or attachments
- Links to “cancel order” or “request refund”
How Phishing Scams Work (Step by Step)
Here’s a typical phishing flow:
- Scammer crafts a message posing as a retailer, delivery service, or payment provider. The wording, branding, logos look legitimate.
- They send it to many people, hoping some will panic. It may say “Urgent,” “Your account will be charged,” or “Click now.”
- If you click the link, you are taken to a fake website that imitates the real one. It asks for login credentials, payment info, or personal data.
- Sometimes attachments are used (invoices, PDF receipts) which may carry malware or attempt to install tracking/key logging software.
- Once info is entered, scammers steal, which could lead to fraud, identity theft, or unauthorized transactions.
Signs You’re Looking at a Fake Order Confirmation
Here are red flags to watch out for:
| Sign | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Sender’s address | If it’s something weird like “amazon.support1234@example.com” or an address that doesn’t match the official site. Legit companies use verified domains. |
| Generic greetings | “Dear customer,” “Hello,” instead of your name. Real order confirmations usually use the name on your account. |
| Grammar/spelling mistakes or strange formatting | Wrong currencies, odd date formats, mismatched branding, low-resolution logos. |
| Urgent or scary language | “Your account will be locked,” “Pay now or face charges,” etc. That’s to force quick action without thinking. |
| Hover over links | Before clicking, hover (on a computer) or long-press (on mobile) to see where a link really goes. If it’s different from what’s shown, it’s likely phishing. |
| Unexpected attachments | Retailers don’t often send invoices as ZIPs or macros. If you weren’t expecting something, don’t open attachments. |
| You weren’t expecting the message | If you didn’t order anything, or your shipment isn’t delayed, or you don’t use that service—be extra cautious. |
Real Risks If You Fall for One
- Financial loss – fraudsters may charge your card or drain funds.
- Identity theft – stolen personal details may be used to open accounts in your name.
- Account takeover – if login credentials are stolen, they can access more of your digital life.
- Malware infections – a click here, an attachment there, and malware could compromise your device.
- Emotional & time cost – reversing damage, contacting banks, reporting fraud takes time and causes stress.
How to Protect Yourself
Here are concrete steps you can take:
- Don’t rush. Scammers want you to act immediately. Pause. Think before you click.
- Verify with the company directly. Instead of using the link in the message, go to the company’s website or app yourself. Call if needed.
- Use strong, unique passwords for shopping, email, and financial accounts. Avoid reuse.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Even if someone gets your password, 2FA is an extra barrier.
- Keep devices & software updated. Updates often patch security holes.
- Use good security tools. Spam filters, email authentication standards like SPF, DKIM, DMARC help reduce phishing. Anti-malware software helps too.
- Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments. If in doubt, don’t open.
- Be careful who you share your email with. The more places your email is used, the more likely it could show up in phishing campaigns.
What to Do If You’ve Clicked or Fallen Victim
- Change your password right away on the involved account(s), especially if the same password is used elsewhere.
- If you shared payment info or bank details, contact your bank/card provider immediately. Freeze cards or accounts if needed.
- Check your statements carefully for any unauthorized transactions.
- Report the phishing email/text to the company being impersonated. Also, report it to your email provider or mobile carrier.
- If identity theft is likely, report to local/regional authorities or cybercrime units. Monitor credit reports if available in your country.
EverTry’s Advice for Safe Shopping
At EverTry, protecting your money and identity is our top priority. Here are some things we recommend:
- Use virtual cards for online purchases when possible—it helps protect your real card number.
- Only shop via trusted sites or EverTry’s verified partners.
- Pay attention to confirmation emails—if anything seems off, reach out to us or the retailer directly.
- Bookmark or manually type retailer websites instead of clicking through suspicious links.
Conclusion
Phishing emails and texts masquerading as order confirmations or shipping notices are a serious threat—and they work because they exploit urgency and trust. But the good news? With a little caution, awareness, and some smart habits, you can stay safe.
Remember: stop, verify, then act. If something appears unusual, verify it through official channels. Your personal and financial safety depends on forming good habits—and EverTry is here to help you maintain them. Stay alert, stay safe, and happy shopping!
Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional security advice. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, phishing tactics evolve constantly. Always verify suspicious emails or texts directly with the company involved, and contact your bank or relevant authorities if you believe your personal or financial information has been compromised. EverTry is not responsible for any losses resulting from phishing scams or misuse of the information provided here.