When the message says you only have a limited time to respond, it is often the sign of a scam.

Scam emails often offer things that are too good to be true, like the easy chance to win free money or prizes.

Phony emails will try to trick you into giving up account information or passwords, or clicking on a phishing link where you fill out information that identity thieves can collect and use. Usually what they're asking for doesn't make sense if you think about it, because they should already have that information!

Identity thieves try to make you worry that something is wrong with your account, so you will feel you must immediately respond to the email to fix it.

Scam emails often include spelling and grammatical errors. A real company would not send out messages containing such errors.

You might see a generic greeting that does not personally address you. Reputable companies send emails where they address their customers by name.

Phishing emails often have a link within the email or an attachment that you are urged to click on. This link can lead you to a site or form where you (unknowingly) give your information to criminals. You should never respond to or click on links in such emails. Instead, go directly to the main website, and from there check your account.

1. A type of crime in which your private information is stolen and used for criminal activity is called:

Sara finds a message on her phone that she thinks might be a scam. She should: