How to Spot and Avoid Email Scams: Practical Advice from Attorney Louis S. Haskell

At the Law Office of Louis S. Haskell, protecting our clients and community from scams is a priority. As Attorney Haskell often reminds us, it’s much easier to prevent someone from being scammed than to help after the fact. That’s why we regularly share tips and reminders about staying safe, especially when it comes to suspicious emails.

Why We Talk About Scams

Scams continue to evolve, and even the most careful individuals can find themselves targets. Attorney Haskell was recently inspired to make a video after reviewing his own junk mail folder—a routine he recommends for everyone. Here’s what he found, and what you should watch for:

Example 1: The Fake IRS Email

One email claimed, “Tax filing is under preliminary review.” At first glance, it appeared to come from the IRS, even displaying “irs.gov” in the sender’s name. However, a closer look revealed this wasn’t legitimate. If the IRS were contacting you, they would reference your actual tax year—such as your 2024 return, not just the year you filed.

A critical red flag: the sender’s real email address didn’t match the IRS. In fact, it ended with “.edu,” which is almost always a hijacked student account. Hackers often target school accounts because they can be easier to compromise. If you see a government agency email coming from a .edu address, it’s a scam.

Tip: If you can’t see the full email address, hover your cursor over the sender’s name to reveal it. This quick step can help you spot fakes without clicking on anything dangerous.

Example 2: The Bogus Bank of America Message

Another email in Attorney Haskell’s junk folder claimed to be from Bank of America. If you bank with them, it’s easy to be tempted to click. But look closely: the sender was “Bank of E America,” and the domain had oddities—like a capitalized “.COM” and a zero in place of an “O.” These are subtle signs of an amateur scam.

Tip: Always double-check the sender’s name and email address. Legitimate companies don’t make these kinds of mistakes.

Example 3: Unsolicited Offers and Real Companies

Not every message in your junk folder is a scam, but that doesn’t mean it’s relevant. For example, Attorney Haskell received a legitimate marketing email from a company called Jubilee. They sell products to lawyers, but not to him. Even though it's not dangerous, it’s a good reminder to be cautious with any unsolicited offer.

Example 4: Tax Talk and Familiar Names

Attorney Haskell also received an email from “Tax Talk Today.” He recognized the address, but still checked to make sure it was legitimate before opening. That moment of pause is crucial.

What To Do When You Get a Suspicious Email

• Don’t click links or download attachments from unknown senders.

• Check the sender’s full email address by hovering over it.

• Look for small mistakes in the sender’s name, domain, or message.

• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.

• When in doubt, contact the company or agency directly using verified contact information.

Attorney Haskell admits, even he felt a moment’s panic when he saw an IRS message in his inbox. That’s a natural reaction. The key is to pause, investigate, and avoid clicking anything suspicious.

Final Thoughts

Scammers are getting smarter, but so can you. By taking a few seconds to verify every email—especially those claiming to be from banks or government agencies—you can protect yourself and your personal information.

If you have questions about scams, or if you think you’ve been targeted, reach out to our office. We’re here to help the Lowell community stay safe and informed.