If you’ve ever received an email or text that says “Kindly provide your details” or “Kindly respond immediately,” it might have raised your eyebrows—and for good reason. While the word itself sounds polite and formal, in the context of scam emails, it’s often a red flag. Why? Let’s dig in.
Why “Kindly” Is Common in Scams
A lot of scam emails and texts come from countries where British English is more commonly used. These are often former Commonwealth countries like Nigeria, India, and South Africa, where “kindly” is a perfectly normal part of speech. In those countries, people might regularly say, “Kindly send the documents” without any scammy intent.
But here in the U.S., we don’t talk like that. You’re more likely to hear “Please send the documents” or “Could you send the documents?” So when a message claims to be from an American organization like the IRS, your bank, or a government agency, seeing “kindly” in the text can be a huge clue that the message isn’t what it claims to be. It’s not necessarily a scam in every context, but for Americans, it’s definitely worth a second look.
A Quick Language Giveaway
It’s similar to the way non-native speakers sometimes use “Am” instead of “I’m” in emails. For example, instead of saying, “I’m feeling good today,” they might say, “Am feeling good today.” Again, it’s not that they’re trying to deceive anyone—it’s just a common difference in speech patterns. But in the case of scams, these small language quirks are often telltale signs that something’s off.
A Red Flag, But Not Always
Now, it’s important to note that not everyone who uses the word “kindly” is a scammer. If you’re corresponding with someone in India, Australia, or Canada, it wouldn’t be strange at all for them to use that word. But if you’re getting an email that claims to be from a U.S.-based company or government agency and it’s loaded with “kindly”s, your scam radar should be up.
The Bigger Issue: Not All Scammers Make Mistakes
Here’s the tricky part: not all scammers leave these kinds of linguistic clues. Some are getting better at blending in and avoiding common red flags like “kindly.” That’s why relying solely on these giveaways might not always keep you safe.
It’s important to focus on solid anti-scam practices that don’t depend on catching a scammer’s mistake. Here are a few tips to help you outsmart scammers, even if they’re good at hiding their tracks:
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Don’t trust unsolicited messages: Whether it’s an email, text, or phone call, if you didn’t ask for it, be skeptical—especially if they’re asking for personal information or payment.
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Verify through official channels: If a message claims to be from your bank or a government agency, don’t click on any links or respond directly. Go to the official website or call their customer service line to confirm.
The Bottom Line
“Kindly” can definitely be a red flag, especially in the U.S. where it’s uncommon in everyday speech, but it’s just one of many clues. Scammers may be getting smarter and better at avoiding obvious mistakes, so it’s more important than ever to adopt safe online habits and trust your instincts. Always take a moment to pause and think: Is this message really what it claims to be?
By combining a healthy dose of skepticism with proactive anti-scam strategies, you can dramatically reduce your chances of falling for a scam—whether or not the word “kindly” is involved. Stay cautious, trust your gut, and always verify!
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