Spam email is unwanted and often irrelevant messages typically sent to a large number of users, for advertising, phishing or spreading malware.
To detect spam email, use the steps below:
1. Unexpected requests: Be wary of emails asking for personal or financial information, especially if you did not initiate the contact
2. Generic greetings: Spam often uses generic phrases like “Dear Customer” instead of your name
3. Poor spelling and grammar: Legitimate organizations usually make sure their communications are error-free
4. Suspicious attachments: Spam may include unsolicited attachments, which could contain malware
5. Too good to be true offers: If an offer in an email seems too good to be true, it probably is
6. Pressure tactics: Spam often creates a sense of urgency, pushing you to act quickly
7. Mismatched URLs: Hover over any links to see if the URL address matches what’s described in the email
To reduce spam email to your inbox, use the steps below:
1. Use spam filters: Manage spam filtering and block lists to update the settings to adapt to new spam tactics
2. Don’t respond to spam: Never reply to spam messages. This confirms to spammers that your email address is active.
3. Unsubscribe from legitimate mailing lists: If you no longer want to receive emails from a subscription service, use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email
4. Keep your email address private: Only share your email with trusted sources and do not post it online
5. Use a secondary email: Consider creating a secondary email address for online shopping, forums, and sign-ups to keep your primary email less cluttered
6. Be cautious with links and attachments: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources
7. Report spam: Use the “Report spam” or “Junk” button in your email client to report spam messages
8. Keep software updated: Make sure your operating system, browser, and antivirus software are up to date to protect against spam and malware.