Business English Writing

Email writing tips - Privacy concerns

An email is neither private nor secure. Therefore be careful what you write - sending an email is like sending a postcard so messages must be treated with caution. Do not discuss confidential or sensitive information in email. Check and double check all addresses and content before you send.

Be careful about what you read – it is pretty easy to forge an email. Apply common sense before assuming any message is valid - even if you think you know who it came from. Never open an attachment unless you know what it is and you are expecting it. Always have up-to-date virus checking software on your computer, and make sure it is working.

Don't forward or bounce email unnecessarily and never forward virus hoaxes, chain letters, petitions or "make money fast" schemes. Never reply to SPAM or junk mail - ever.