The spell-check that steals

Last month, a freelance designer wired $4,200 to a scammer posing as her biggest client.

The email was perfect. Professional tone. Correct grammar. Even referenced their last project together.

She didn't stand a chance.

What changed

Here's what happened: AI gave scammers spell-check.

The old phishing playbook was sloppy. Broken English. Random capitalization. "Dear Costumer, your acount is suspened."

You could spot it in two seconds.

Not anymore.

Phishing attacks have surged 4,151% since ChatGPT launched in 2022. That's not a typo. And the emails landing in your inbox now? Flawless grammar. Perfect formatting. They sound exactly like your bank, your boss, or your vendor.

The red flags we trained ourselves to see have vanished.

The slow down rule

So here's what we Call the slow down rule:**

If an email asks you to act fast AND involves money, credentials, or sensitive info, stop. Don't click. Don't reply. Verify through a separate channel.

Call them. Use a number you already have. Not the one in the email.

The scammer's advantage is speed. Yours is patience.

Your one takeaway

Grammar is no longer a tell. Urgency is.

The more pressure you feel to act right now, the more likely it's a trap.

Slow down. Verify separately. That three-second pause could save you thousands.

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If this helped, share it with someone who still thinks bad grammar = scam. That playbook is dead.