Cybercriminals are getting better at crafting phishing emails that look legitimate, urgent, and hard to ignore. Your team’s ability to recognize a scam before clicking can make the difference between a quiet day and a full-blown data breach.
That’s why training with phishing email examples is so effective. Seeing realistic scenarios helps employees build the instincts they need to pause, question, and report suspicious messages.
In this blog, we’ll walk through several real-world-style phishing emails, highlight the red flags, and explain what action should be taken. Use these to start a conversation with your team—or better yet, test their skills.
Phishing Email Example #1: Fake Password Expiration Notice
Subject Line: Urgent: Your Microsoft 365 Password Expires Today
Body Preview:
Your account password is set to expire today. To avoid losing access, click the link below to reset your password now.
Red Flags:
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Urgency language (“expires today”)
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Generic greeting (“Dear user”)
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Hovering over the link reveals a non-Microsoft URL
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Email sender is from a lookalike domain (e.g., micr0soft-security.com)
Recommended Action:
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Don’t click. Report it using your email platform’s phishing button.
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If unsure, go directly to the Microsoft 365 login site and check account status there.
Phishing Email Example #2: Fake HR Document
Subject Line: Updated Remote Work Policy – Signature Required
Body Preview:
A new HR policy has been issued. To remain compliant, review and sign the document immediately.
Red Flags:
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Unexpected request to review confidential HR documents
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Suspicious attachment (e.g., “Policy_Update.docm”)
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Link leads to a fake SharePoint login page
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Pressure to act quickly with consequences implied
Recommended Action:
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Report it. Never open attachments from unknown or suspicious sources.
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Confirm with HR directly using internal communication channels.
Phishing Email Example #3: CEO Impersonation (Whaling)
Phishing email examples reveal red flags employees should look for in everyday communications.
Subject Line: Need a Quick Wire Transfer – Confidential
Body Preview:
Can you send a wire transfer to this vendor ASAP? I’m tied up in a meeting and can’t get into the portal.
Red Flags:
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Unusual request from a high-ranking executive
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Reply-to email doesn’t match the CEO’s real address
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Emphasis on secrecy and urgency
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No formal greeting or signature
Recommended Action:
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Verify the request out-of-band (e.g., call or message the CEO directly)
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Report the phishing attempt.
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Never process financial transactions based on email alone.
📖 Learn more about this attack type: What Is Executive Impersonation Phishing (Whaling)?
Phishing Email Example #4: Social Media Notification Scam
Subject Line: [Instagram] Unusual Login Attempt Detected
Body Preview:
We’ve detected a login attempt from a new device. If this wasn’t you, please confirm immediately.
Red Flags:
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Email design mimics Instagram’s branding
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Link does not lead to instagram.com
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Uses fear (unauthorized login) to provoke action
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Sent to a work email that’s not linked to the user’s social media account
Recommended Action:
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Don’t engage. Report the message and delete it.
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Go directly to the social media platform if you’re concerned about login activity.
📖 More examples like this: Social Media Phishing: The New Frontier
Why Training with Examples Works
Phishing email examples are powerful because they:
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Make abstract threats concrete
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Encourage conversation and awareness
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Reinforce what to look for (suspicious links, urgency, impersonation, mismatched domains)
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Support phishing simulations by giving users mental models to reference
Want to test how your team responds to real-world phishing attempts? Combine this kind of training with live phishing simulations and behavior tracking.
📖 Learn how to do that:
👉 The Business Owner’s Guide to Phishing Security Awareness Training & Simulation
Final Thoughts
Seeing is believing. When employees can spot a suspicious email and know what to do, your entire business becomes safer. Sharing real-world phishing email examples—like the ones above—is one of the easiest, most effective ways to build a more cyber-aware team.
At Professional Computer Concepts, we provide managed phishing simulations and security awareness training tailored to your team, your risk level, and your industry. We’ll help you educate your employees, track progress, and build a human firewall you can rely on.
📌 Want to bring this training into your workplace? Let’s talk.
How Professional Computer Concepts Helps You Train and Protect Your Team
At Professional Computer Concepts, we don’t just talk about cybersecurity—we implement real solutions that protect your people and your business. We help small and mid-sized companies across Novato, Marin County, and the Greater Bay Area defend against phishing and other cyber threats with hands-on, customized support.
We offer:
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Managed phishing simulations tailored to your industry and risk profile
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Security awareness training built around real-life phishing email examples
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Phishing response coaching for repeat clickers and high-risk users
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Integrated tools that work seamlessly with Microsoft 365 and Gmail
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Ongoing cybersecurity services, including dark web monitoring, endpoint protection, and incident response
Whether you’re a law firm managing confidential client communications, a construction business juggling vendors, or a manufacturer securing your supply chain, our solutions are designed to fit your workflow and risk tolerance.
📌 Want help using phishing examples to train your team and measure progress? Let’s talk about building a smarter, safer workplace.