Understanding email scams: A guide for screen reader users

If you’re blind or have low vision and use a screen reader, spotting scam emails can be tricky, especially as scams are getting more common and more convincing.

Because everything on the screen needs to be listened to and navigated line by line, it’s harder to catch quick visual clues like messy layouts, dodgy logos or strange formatting. Sighted users can scan and spot problems at a glance, but screen reader users experience every detail through audio, making it easier for scams to slip past.

What is a scam email?

Scam emails, or phishing emails, are fake messages designed to trick you into giving away personal details, sending money or clicking on dangerous links. They’re often made to look like they’re from trusted places like banks, government services, delivery companies or well-known brands.

The idea is to make you act fast, before you have time to think.

Scam emails use all sorts of tricks. Some create panic, telling you your account will be locked if you don’t log in right away. Others tempt you with offers like tax refunds, prizes or surprise payments. Many include links that take you to fake websites or ask you to download unsafe attachments.

Common scam tactics to watch for

Urgency: Telling you that you need to act quickly or face consequences.

Temptation: Offering money, rewards or refunds out of the blue.

Impersonation: Pretending to be a trusted organisation to gain your trust.

If you get an email saying you need to log in to avoid a suspension or claim a refund, stop and think. Banks and government organisations like Centrelink or the ATO won’t send direct links to login pages.

Instead, open your browser, go to the organisation’s official website yourself and log in from there.

Don’t trust a link just because it looks real

Scam emails are very good at making links look official. Always double-check where a link is really sending you, or better yet, skip the link and go straight to the website yourself.

One of the best ways to detect a scam is by checking the email address of the sender. When using a screen reader, navigate to the email address you wish to check and read it character by character or use a Braille display to verify the spelling. Just listening to the full address read aloud may sound legitimate, but small typos can often slip past unnoticed.

For example, a screen reader might read “commmbank.com.au” as “commbank.com.au,” where the extra “m” is easy to miss. If the full address doesn’t seem right or there’s something strange about the name, don't trust it.

Watch out for pressure

Scammers want you to panic and act without thinking. You might see messages like:

• “Your account has been compromised – click here immediately!”
• “You must act within 24 hours or your account will be locked!”

Remember to pause. Take a breath. Always verify urgent claims by calling the organisation directly, using a phone number you find yourself on Google or their official site, not one listed in the email.

Trust your instincts: If it feels wrong, it probably is

Scam emails are designed to get past your normal caution. If something doesn’t sound right, like odd wording, strange greetings such as “Dear User,” or there are unexpected requests, trust your gut. Poor grammar, unusual formatting, and unfamiliar instructions are also common red flags.

Staying one step ahead

Scammers are always inventing new tricks, but with a little caution and good habits, you can stay ahead. Double-check who an email is really from, listen carefully to link details and resist pressure to act quickly.

Staying safe online isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being prepared.