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Step 1
Phishing e-mails can use deceptively convincing graphics as well as legitimate looking e-mail address. Of course, the biggest thing to remember is no online legitimate online service will ever ask you for personal information inside of an e-mail. Google, the IRS, eBay, Wachovia, anybody who you do business with in an e-form will never prompt you to give away your personal information.
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Step 2
Even if the e-mail looks legit, take a closer look. Is the "From" address a bunch of goobledeygook? Even if there is a phone number listed, DO NOT CALL IT. Advanced phishing schemes have thieves monitoring the telephone listed that just can't wait to get your information. Instead, look at where the e-mail says it's coming from. Is it from eBay? Go directly to eBay and contact them yourself. Your bank? Do the same. Never use the channels listed in the e-mail to try to verify it's authenticity.
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Step 3
While the "click here" is a classic red flag for phishing e-mail, do yourself a huge favor and check your account. Mail which shows up in your e-mail inbox AND your message inbox through whichever service you are using is usually legitimate. For example, if the message is from eBay, check the "My Messages" on your My eBay page and see if there is an e-mail there. If not, it's a phish. Even on eHow, if there are requests for friends or new messages, you'll receive a copy of the e-mail in the e-mail address you gave eHow under your preferences, plus a copy in the messages section. Make sure there are two copies and they both match. Replication is for your protection.
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Step 4
Go with your gut instinct. Sometimes the best way to avoid a scam is to pay attention to that hair that's standing up on the back of your neck. Learn to recognize what a phishing e-mail looks like, and then look to avoid them.
