When receiving unsolicited emails with requests for personal details, which key factor should arouse suspicion?

When evaluating unsolicited emails that request personal information, the presence of links in an email should raise significant suspicion. Unscrupulous actors often use deceptive links to lead recipients to malicious websites designed to collect sensitive information or to infect their devices with malware. Phishing attacks frequently utilize hyperlinks that appear legitimate but actually redirect users to fraudulent sites.

In such scenarios, the links may not display the true destination, making it crucial for recipients to hover over the link to see where it actually leads before clicking. This awareness helps individuals avoid falling victim to scams that exploit their trust.

While the sender's email address, the language used in the email, and the email's format can also provide clues about email legitimacy, the links included are often the most direct method for attackers to compromise a user's security, making them a critical factor to scrutinize.