5 Real-World Phishing Email Examples for Training
Phishing attacks are one of the most common—and dangerous—cyber threats facing small to midsize businesses today. The best defense? A well-trained team that knows exactly what to look for. That’s why effective phishing email examples for training are crucial for your organization’s cybersecurity strategy.
At Ace Technology Group, we help businesses in Pennsylvania and beyond improve their cyber awareness with IT solutions that actually work. From managed services to employee cybersecurity training, we partner with your business to reduce risk and keep data safe.
In this post, we’ll walk through five real phishing email examples you can use in your next training session. Each one highlights common tactics hackers use—and shows you how to avoid falling for them.
We’ll also link to additional cybersecurity tips from our Tech Tips library so you can keep your training materials fresh and up to date.
Why Use Phishing Email Examples in Training?
Training your employees with real-world phishing scenarios does two important things:
- Builds awareness: When employees know what phishing emails actually look like, they’re more likely to stop and think before clicking.
- Improves response time: Simulated training helps your team act quickly if a phishing email does land in their inbox.
If you haven’t already implemented employee security training as part of your cybersecurity plan, now’s the time. Phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated—and they’re targeting small businesses more than ever.
Phishing Email Example #1: The Fake Microsoft Login
Subject line: “Unusual sign-in activity detected on your Microsoft account”
This phishing email is designed to look exactly like an alert from Microsoft. It includes the official Microsoft logo, a warning about unusual sign-in activity, and a link labeled “Review Activity.”
Why it works:
The email plays on urgency and fear. It looks legitimate and pushes the recipient to click a link quickly.
Red flags to point out in training:
- The sender’s email address isn’t from an official Microsoft domain.
- The link doesn’t actually go to Microsoft (you can hover over it to reveal the true URL).
- There are slight grammar issues in the message body.
How to train on it:
Ask employees to hover over all links before clicking. Remind them that Microsoft will never ask for login credentials via email.
Phishing Email Example #2: The HR Document Scam
Subject line: “Updated Employee Benefits Policy – Action Required”
This one pretends to come from your company’s HR department. It tells the employee to download a document outlining “important changes to your health benefits.”
Why it works:
It sounds internal and important. Employees often trust emails that appear to come from their employer or a colleague.
Red flags to point out in training:
- The sender’s domain may look similar, but it’s off by one letter (e.g., hr@yourcornpany.com).
- The attachment is a .zip file or includes macros.
- The tone is slightly off or overly formal for an internal message.
How to train on it:
Show your team how to inspect sender details carefully and avoid opening suspicious attachments—even if they seem to come from someone they know.
Phishing Email Example #3: The Fake Invoice
Subject line: “Invoice #984731 Attached – Past Due”
These phishing emails often target your finance or accounts payable team. They include an attachment or a link to “view and pay” an overdue invoice.
Why it works:
Scammers rely on the sense of urgency and a fear of being late on payments.
Red flags to point out in training:
- The invoice doesn’t match any vendor the company works with.
- The attached file contains malware or links to a malicious site.
- The sender insists on payment via wire transfer or gift cards.
How to train on it:
Encourage employees to verify any unknown invoice by contacting the supposed sender using known contact information—not by replying to the email.
Keep Reading: How to Protect Your Computer from Malware and Viruses
Phishing Email Example #4: The CEO Impersonation
Subject line: “Quick Request – Need Your Help”
This one usually appears to come from your CEO or another executive. It asks for a favor—often something like buying gift cards or transferring funds—urgently and without much detail.
Why it works:
Scammers bank on the fact that employees won’t question a request from someone higher up.
Red flags to point out in training:
- The tone is unusual or inconsistent with the executive’s usual style.
- It asks to keep the request confidential.
- It’s sent outside normal business hours.
How to train on it:
Teach employees that no legitimate company request should ever involve secrecy or gift cards. Role-play scenarios where staff must double-check executive requests—especially those involving money.
Keep Reading: Why Philadelphia Companies Need Co-Managed IT Services
Phishing Email Example #5: The COVID-19 Alert
Subject line: “New COVID-19 safety protocols – Please review ASAP”
This phishing email mimics a health department or internal HR message and includes a PDF or link to a website with “updated safety information.”
Why it works:
People are still highly sensitive to health-related updates, especially when they come from what looks like a government or healthcare source.
Red flags to point out in training:
- The sender’s domain doesn’t match any legitimate agency or internal contact.
- The email uses scare tactics to push the reader to act immediately.
- The linked site asks for login credentials or personal information.
How to train on it:
Remind employees to verify health policy updates via your internal HR platform or official company channels—not through email links.
Bonus Tip: Run a Simulated Phishing Test
Once you’ve walked your team through these examples, take it a step further with a phishing simulation. This allows you to:
- Test how many people click on a fake phishing email.
- Identify who needs more training.
- Build a culture of awareness and caution.
If you’re working with a managed IT provider like Ace Technology Group, ask about built-in tools or services for phishing simulations.
Keep Cybersecurity Training Continuous
Phishing tactics are always evolving. So should your training. At a minimum, update your training sessions every quarter with:
- New phishing examples
- Results from internal simulations
- Updates on recent cyber threats and trends
Final Thoughts
Effective phishing email training is more than just telling your team “don’t click suspicious links.” Real education comes from real examples—and the five we’ve shared today are a solid starting point.
If you’re unsure where to begin, or need help building a cybersecurity awareness program for your business, reach out to our team at Ace Technology Group. We’re here to make security simple, manageable, and effective.