It is interesting to know how scammers capitalize on opportunities to make quick money using technology. When the internet was new, scammers flooded their potential victims with emails that were essentially scams. Those who fell for it were pushed into financial chaos. Even today, with all the awareness that is spread through the use of the internet, these notorious emails create havoc for their recipients.

Jane, a senior, first fell for the internet scam in her youth; now, a bit wiser, she faces another threat from incoming spam that clutters her email box. She is so tired that she is on the verge of deleting her email ID, but she faces a dilemma since most of the emails she receives from utility, financial, and online entertainment firms bill for using their services.

If this story somewhat relates to you, then you must know how and why it happens.

What is Email Spam?

Any unsolicited email that you receive can be called email spam. They are sent in bulk by the sender to various email addresses that they may possess. These emails are also called junk emails, as they hold little or no value to the receiver.

Why am I getting spam Emails?

Certain websites that want to expand their reach will ask you to submit your email address when you reach out to their website. The idea behind these collections of email addresses is that the firm can contact these website visitors and engage them in a business deal. Such actions from a firm’s point of view are important, as they can understand the number of people visiting their website.

This strategy helps them take the necessary steps to convert a visitor into a customer by understanding what products they have shown interest in.

Online shops or retailers like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and so forth also send emails that may appear to be spam. When you visit an online retailer, they will suggest and send emails regarding products that you might have searched for and bought online.

Now the real question is…

How does spam Emails affect you?

As we have mentioned, while firms try to reach their potential customers, scammers, on the other hand, will use this opportunity to spread their malicious intent.

Scammers also send emails to many with the intent of pulling them into a web of lies. These emails generally have an attachment and prompt their victims to download them. These downloads are malicious software viruses or malware that can be a threat to electronic devices like smartphones and computers.

Once the recipient downloads these malicious apps on their electronic devices, either the app will capture all the data and send it to the scammers, or the scammers will have total control over the electronic device and ask for a ransom to release the control to the recipient, or both.

How do I get rid of spam Emails?

Be it Apple, Yahoo, Outlook, or Gmail spam, no one can escape the threat of spam emails. However, email service providers and third-party providers have, to some extent, restricted the flow of this spam. These service providers have been continuously upgrading their algorithms to restrict such emails. These emails are diverted into the “junk” or “spam” folder of the email account. Such actions allow you to verify if you wish to receive these emails in your “inbox.” Otherwise, after a certain time period, this junk or spam automatically gets deleted.

Nonetheless, marketing strategists of genuine firms as well as scammers are trying their level best to send this junk or spam directly to your inbox.

Regardless, each and every email service provider offers the option of moving these emails directly into the junk folder or the spam folder.

Certain emails that are sent by online retailers have the option of “unsubscribe” links in them. Thus, you, as the end user, have the option of clicking on the link that would prevent such emails from reaching you in the future. These emails would either be sent into your junk folder or spam folder instead of directly going into your inbox folder.

I’m getting frustrated with these spam emails. Should I reply to them?

Whether for amusement or curiosity, you should avoid replying to these spam emails, especially those where you are promised to make a huge sum of money after someone deceased leaves a fortune to you whom you have never met in your life or who has won sweepstakes in which you have never participated.

Here is the reason why: Many people create new email accounts on a daily basis. Making a new email ID can vary from forgetting the password of the email account to continuously getting junk emails. Someone new to the internet might make one or cause the death of someone.

For various reasons, new email addresses are generated and may become inactive. Scammers have no idea if these emails are active or inactive. They send emails at random to recipients, unaware of whether the email addresses are active or not.

When you reply to them, these scammers and hackers come to know that the email is active and may target you by sending in more junk emails.

Is the threat of spam Emails serious?

While most spam emails are harmless, you still need to guard yourself against them. Scammers and hackers obtain a list of email addresses through various means. They may either obtain them through social engineering like phishing or hacking a database and collecting them. They may either buy through the dark web or from other con artists.

How do I avoid receiving spam Emails?

Be careful while browsing online. Several third-party advertisements are known to collect your email address. Avoid indulging in sensitive details online; these details can be used by scammers. While buying anything, always use caution. If a pop-up appears while browsing, avoid filling it up or mentioning your email address.

Always keep a strong password along with a two-factor authentication feature. Many email service providers will prompt you by sending a message if you are logging in from a different system.

If you want to shop online, then create a dedicated email ID specially used for buying online products. Thus, any spam you may receive regarding shopping will go directly to that email address.

Final Thoughts

Getting completely rid of spam emails is next to impossible; however, you can limit their reach by following simple steps. Finally, email IDs are a personal and sensitive detail; thus, exercise caution while browsing online and hunting for products.