Real vs. fake email test results

Approximately six weeks prior to the 2018 midterm elections in the United States, Valimail conducted a survey to test adult Americans’ ability to distinguish fraudulent campaign emails from authentic ones.

Out of 1,079 respondents, the average number of correct responses was 4.98 out of 11, or slightly under 50 percent.

The survey results indicate that those who identify as Republicans are marginally better at identifying fake emails than those who identify as Democrats. In addition, it also suggests that people are more likely to believe phony emails that appear to come from the political parties with whom they affiliate.

There is one clear takeaway: Difficulty distinguishing real vs. fake emails is universal across the board.

Download the report for an inside look at the fraudulent emails and see if you can spot the fake.