So What? #7 - If it sounds urgent, it’s probably a scam

I need to shout this LOUDLY from the rooftop because it keeps happening.

Clients are still replying to scam emails about their websites.

Even when they feel a bit… off.

Even when they don’t quite make sense.

Even when they’re supposedly from me 😒 These are my favourite and I’ll share one later in this article because it’s a doozy!

The thing about scam emails is they rely on panic. It’s what they are designed to do.

They want you to think your website is about to go down or some technical issue needs to be fixed and that you need to act immediately.

Because when you feel rushed and worried, you don’t stop to question it.

You just reply.

And that’s exactly what the scammers are counting on.

Here’s a real one that’s been doing the rounds apparently from me (but also sent to me which was the biggest red flag of all), but let’s have a look at the actual email in question:

The panic button bits and why people think it’s real:

“I just got a call from Wix Support after their conference meeting yesterday…”

“Your domain renewal and required plugin setup must be completed before April 17th…”

“Your website may be flagged or shut down…”

Oh, and my face in the footer reinforces it’s me too.

Now let’s look at it with a level head:

• Wix doesn’t call us about about your website - never have, never will

• And no legitimate provider is shutting your site down with a vague email and a countdown clock

Oh - and they sent this to WordPress and Squarespace clients too… telling them their Wix site was at risk.

Honestly. At least try.

If you get an email like this, do NOT reply.

Instead:

• Check the sender’s email address properly (not just the name)

• Look for generic greetings like “Hi Dear”

• Watch for urgency and vague threats

• Forward it to your actual web provider (like me!)

• Then just delete it

Here’s an annotated version of that same email with my top tips…

And just to be crystal clear:

IT’S NOT FROM ME!

If an email makes you panic before it makes sense…

I’ve already had clients reply to these and get sent completely made-up “reports” to try and back it up. And I get it - it’s convincing if you’re not sure what you’re looking at.

Which is exactly why these scams work.

But please - employ some critical thinking first and check whether it feels real or not.

And if in doubt, do contact your web designer via another means (not replying to said email). They won’t judge you for checking, but can’t do anything if you part with your money in a scam!