Yesterday, I received a highly suspicious email claiming to be from my email provider saying my account would be suspended if I didn’t update my payment details. It was easy to report it as phishing, and the automatic message reassured me it would be looked into.

I know many of my readers will be familiar with Writers Beware, the blog that alerts authors to scams, and know these tips already, but it’s worth repeating.

1. Trust your instincts – legitimate businesses don’t put undue pressure on people.  They have a clearly stated established timeframe for responses and when payment for the renewal of services will be due.

• Check the company’s details – the email address and link should match the stated company.

• Check your records – emails which remind of when payment will be taken and bank/credit card statements.

• Report it – to let the email company know and alert others.