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Scammers are getting smarter, and so are their emails. For screen reader users, detecting these scams means paying close attention to details that might be easy to overlook.

Here are the Top 5 tactics scammers use, and what you need to listen out for to stay safe.

1. Urgency and fear tactics

Scam emails often try to create panic. You might hear subject lines like ‘Immediate action required!’, or ‘Your account will be locked in 24 hours!’

These are designed to get you to act without thinking. Take a moment to slow down and verify the claim by calling the organisation directly by using the phone number from their official website.

Tip: If you feel pressured, slow down. Verify the claim independently by visiting the organisation’s official website or calling their customer service.

2. Promises that sound too good to be true

Scammers love dangling rewards, refunds or unexpected payments. Subject lines or body text might promise this like ‘You’ve won a gift card!’, or ‘Claim your tax refund now!’

If you weren't expecting money or prizes, be suspicious. Unexpected rewards are often bait to get you to click or share personal details.

Tip: Always verify unexpected offers by contacting the organisation directly using details you find yourself, not information provided in the email.

3. Impersonation of trusted organisations

Scam emails often pretend to be from familiar companies or government agencies. You might hear brand names like:

  • MyGov,
  • Australia Post,
  • Telstra, or
  • Your bank or insurance company.

As a rule of thumb, banks and government departments such as Centrelink or the ATO won’t send direct links asking you to log in. If you receive a message claiming you need to log in to avoid suspension or to claim a refund, stop and think.

Tip: Open your browser, go to the organisation’s official website manually, and log in from there.

4. Strange or generic greetings

Another clue can be in how the email addresses you. Instead of using your real name, scams use greetings like ‘Dear user’, ‘Valued customer’, or ‘Dear account holder’.

Real companies usually personalise their messages with your first name. If the greeting sounds odd or overly generic, be cautious.

5. Unexpected attachments

Attachments are another common way scammers try to deliver harmful content. They may include fake invoices, shipping notices, or forms that, once opened, can infect your device with malware or steal your information. As a screen reader user, it’s important to slow down and inspect any attachments before you download them, especially if you weren’t expecting them.

If you’re unsure about an attachment, even if it looks like it's from someone you know, it’s safest to delete the email and contact the sender directly.

Never open unexpected files, especially from unknown senders. This can even include friends and family members as their email accounts may have been hacked.

Tip: Always confirm with the sender directly before opening any unexpected attachment.

Staying alert as a screen reader user

When you’re navigating by audio, it’s important to stay tuned in to wording, tone and unexpected content. Quick decisions are what scammers are hoping for, but a little extra caution can make all the difference.

Email scammers are constantly coming up with new ways to trick people into giving up their personal details or clicking on harmful links. But with a combination of awareness, caution and screen reader know-how, you can stay one step ahead.

By taking the time to double-check who an email is really from, listening carefully to link targets and avoiding pressure to act quickly, you can protect yourself and your information. Staying safe online isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being prepared.