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.

• 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.

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