Think That RANDOM AdDRESS Email or Site Looks Weird? It Could Be a Scam

You’re shopping online, browsing your email, or responding to a message. But something doesn’t feel right. Maybe the sender’s email address is full of strange characters, or the website’s return address doesn’t match the company name. 

These random addresses might seem harmless at first, but they can be early signs of a scam.

Teqare believes that cybersecurity education should be practical and accessible. We help people of all ages learn how to spot red flags—like unfamiliar addresses—so they can avoid scams and stay safe online.

Here’s how to recognize when a random address is more than just a minor detail.

Why Address Details Matter

Scammers often use random or fake addresses, both digital and physical, to trick you into trusting them. These addresses may appear in:

• Phishing emails

• Fake e-commerce websites

• Unverified seller pages

• Suspicious job or rental listings

They rely on people either not noticing or assuming the address is legitimate. But learning to pause and examine these details can help you avoid identity theft, lost money, or data breaches.

Email Red Flags: When a Random Address Isn’t Just Spam

Phishing scams are often disguised as emails from banks, delivery companies, or government agencies. The giveaway? Look closely at the sender's email address.

What to watch for:

• Weird domain names: An email from “support@secure-loginnservice-xyz.com” pretending to be your bank

• Misspelled company names: e.g. “@paypal-com.com” instead of “@paypal.com”

• Extra letters or symbols: These are designed to confuse the reader or bypass spam filters

• Inconsistent names: The display name says “Amazon Support,” but the email is from “johnsmith95@outlook.com.”

If you see a random address that doesn’t match the organization it claims to be from, don’t click anything. Mark it as spam or report it.

Website and Online Store Red Flags

Unfamiliar websites offering massive discounts often use suspicious addresses to hide their real location or identity.

Common warning signs:

• No physical address listed, or one that doesn’t appear on Google Maps

• Inconsistent return addresses on receipts or contact pages

• Foreign addresses for domestic products, especially when delivery times seem unrealistic

• Contact emails with free domains, like “teqarehelp@gmail.com” instead of a verified business domain

Always check the About or Contact page before making a purchase. If the return address or customer service info seems random or vague, it’s likely not trustworthy.

How to Investigate a Suspicious RANDOM Address

Not sure if an address is legitimate? 

Here’s how to check:

1. Google the address or domain – See if it’s tied to known scams or fake companies.

2. Search for reviews – Look up the company’s name + “scam” or the physical address + “complaints.”

3. Use a scam checker tool – Sites like BBB, Scamwatch, or government fraud registries can help.

4. Check the domain age – A new website created last week with no reviews? That’s a red flag.

At Teqare, we teach people how to perform these checks easily, giving them the tools to verify information before they click, buy, or share.

How Teqare Helps You Stay Safe

We understand that not everyone feels confident online. That’s why we provide:

• Hands-on cybersecurity workshops for families, seniors, and communities

• Educational guides on spotting online scams and protecting your data

• One-on-one support to answer questions about suspicious emails or messages

Our goal is to empower you to use technology with confidence, without falling victim to fraud.

Stay One Step Ahead of Scammers

Spotting a random address could save you from a costly mistake. Let Teqare help you recognize the signs of a scam and take control of your digital safety.

View our free tools and training that make online protection simple for every age and experience level. Contact us today to see how we can help you protect yourself online.

Disclaimer: At Teqare, we share knowledge to help protect and empower our communities online. The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or financial advice. Always seek guidance from a trusted professional for your specific situation. We do our best to keep information current and relevant, but digital threats can evolve quickly. Stay alert, stay curious, and reach out if you need support—we’re here to help.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov