Language & Writing Style

The language used in scam messages can reveal a lot. Scammers often rely on unusual wording, poor grammar, spelling mistakes, or an unnatural tone to push you into acting without thinking. While not every scam contains errors, language patterns are a common warning sign when something feels “off”.

Scam messages may sound overly formal (“Dear Customer”), awkwardly phrased, or inconsistent in tone. Others switch quickly between professional and emotional language, or use generic greetings instead of your name. Some messages also include excessive capital letters, strange punctuation, or spelling that doesn’t match the organisation being impersonated.

Examples include emails with grammar errors claiming to be from government agencies, texts with unusual abbreviations or phrasing that doesn’t match local language, or messages that use threatening or exaggerated wording to create panic. Another red flag is copy-and-paste style text that feels impersonal or slightly wrong for the context.

To protect yourself, pay attention to how a message is written as well as what it asks you to do. Be cautious of generic greetings, inconsistent tone, or language that feels rushed or unnatural. When in doubt, don’t respond — verify the message through an official website, app, or trusted contact before taking any action.