I noticed when I used IE or certain other browsers I often saw the false log in page inserted somewhere while looking through forums/threads. The sign in area often moves towards the middle instead of being over on the side..but I check the address anyway.
I often now just close out my browser (make sure settings automatically sign you out) when I see stuff that seems false or phishing and just log in on a new page. I also clear the cache. I use gaiaonline as my home page so I don't have to type it in all the time. When in doubt, take the time to change your password.
I do not use public computers, and if I go back to college I'll make a random account just for that.
If you worry about getting alot of scam mail, change your PM settings to friends only so scam mail can't get sent. You'll still recieve real messages from Gaia, guild invites, etc. You just won't be bothered with all the fake messages telling you to visit this page, or check this link, etc. If people really want to contact you, they will leave a message on your profile page if your settings allow that.
that doesn't always work... especially if you have a lot of friends, there's always a chance one of them could get hacked or tricked into sending it. i can't tell you how many scams i've had sent to me from people on my friends list before i made them all read this... it's better to just learn to pick up on the red flags. 
ninja i haven't updated in what feels like forever, but i'm still here. please don't send me scam examples unless it's really different from the current examples. i don't want to clutter it up with multiple examples of the same scams. 