What are two indicators that an email may be a phishing attempt?

B, or threats of losing service, is a common indicator that an email may be a phishing attempt. Phishing emails frequently employ fear tactics to manipulate recipients into taking immediate action, such as providing sensitive information or clicking on suspicious links. By claiming that the recipient will face negative consequences—like losing access to their account or missing out on important services—the sender aims to create a sense of urgency.

In contrast, while bold and italics may appear visually striking in an email, these formatting choices are not inherently suspicious and could be used legitimately in various communications. Concise subject lines can be effective for both legitimate and phishing emails, as many legitimate organizations strive to be brief and direct in their messaging. Lastly, while suspicious attachments can indicate a potential threat, they are not as universally recognized as a tactic specifically tied to phishing as the use of threats to create urgency. Thus, threats of losing service is the clearer indicator of a phishing attempt in this context.