7 Effective Strategies to Avoid Spam Emails – 4/19/2023
Spam emails can be a nuisance, cluttering your inbox with unwanted messages and potentially exposing you to various risks, such as phishing attacks or malware. Thankfully, there are several strategies you can employ to avoid spam and keep your inbox clean. In this article, we will explore seven effective methods that can help you steer clear of spam emails.
Use a Reliable Email Provider
Choosing a reputable email provider is crucial for avoiding spam. Providers like Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo Mail have advanced filters that automatically detect and redirect most spam emails to your junk folder. Consider switching to one of these providers if you’re currently using an unreliable email service.
Be Selective with Online Registrations
When signing up for online services or making purchases on the internet, be cautious about sharing your email address. Only provide it to trusted sources and take the time to read their privacy policies regarding data usage.
Don’t Reply or Click Suspicious Links
If you receive an unsolicited email from an unknown sender or a suspicious-looking message from someone claiming to be familiar, refrain from replying or clicking on any links within the email. These could lead you down the path of malware installation or phishing attempts.
Utilize Disposable Email Addresses
Consider using disposable email addresses when signing up for newsletters, promotions, or online forums where providing an email address is necessary but not necessarily trustworthy in terms of data protection.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Enabling 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step when logging into your accounts – typically through a text message code sent to your phone number associated with the account—which helps prevent unauthorized access even if spammers get hold of your login credentials via phishing attempts.
Regularly Update Your Antivirus Software
Keeping your antivirus software up-to-date is essential as it helps detect and block potential threats before they reach your inbox.
Be Mindful When Unsubscribing From Emails
While unsubscribing from unwanted promotional emails can be helpful, exercise caution when doing so; only unsubscribe from reputable sources that provide legitimate opt-out options in their emails’ footer section.
By following these strategies consistently and being vigilant about protecting yourself against spammers’ tactics, you can significantly reduce the amount of spam in your inbox and minimize potential risks associated with malicious content present in such emails.
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Stay Safe Shopping Online This Holiday Season (11/29/21) – Retail research tells us that over 75% of people are shopping online each month, and, with the holiday season upon us, you’re likely to be one of them. But don’t let the appeal of convenience distract you from the need to stay safe when shopping online.
The number of digital buyers is steadily climbing. In 2020, according to Statista, more than two billion people purchased goods or services online. During the same year, e-retail sales surpassed $4.2 trillion U.S. dollars worldwide.
Retailers are embracing the change in consumer behavior. But, do you know who else is taking advantage? Cybercrooks. Before you buy, consider these strategies to stay safe.
#1 Question that great deal
If a deal looks “too good to be true,” it probably is. You’re not going to get a new Apple laptop for $29.99, or the latest Beats headphones or Xbox gaming console for under $20. Anyone offering you that price is trying to lure you to their site to enter your payment details, so don’t be surprised when your product never arrives!
#2 Review safe seller feedback
While scrolling social media you see adverts for perfect gifts for someone on your list. And it’s so easy to click the link and buy! Still, before purchasing, take the time to research the seller.
Read the feedback from other buyers on independent sources. It adds only a few moments to check sites such as Trustpilot and Google My Business.
#3 Research the business domain
Think about it: who are you more likely to trust with your sensitive data? Someone who has been in business 10 years or someone who set up shop 10 days ago? Quickly check how long a business website has been around. Enter the URL into the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers’ lookup tool [https://lookup.icann.org].
#4 Watch out for email scams
Before clicking on any offer links in emails, check the URL. You can hover over the link before actually redirecting there and check the target. Double-check that the address is to the site you’re expecting.
Also, slow down and be sure that the address doesn’t have any typos or atypical endings. You don’t want to confuse www.nike.com with www.n1ke.co and end up a victim of identity theft instead of the proud owner of the latest Air Max.
#5 Check safe payment site security
There are several ways to verify the security of a payment site. These include:
verifying that the site uses an SSL certificate – it will start with “https” instead of “http”;
checking for a physical address and phone number – call the contact number to confirm it is not fake;
reviewing the Terms and Conditions and Return and Privacy policies – any reputable brand has these!
#6 Pay with Online Payments
When you do decide to buy, prefer to pay using PayPal or another online payment tool. You won’t be giving the seller your credit card details. If you can’t take this approach, use a credit card from a credit account rather than debit. You will have more protection this way. You can start a chargeback through your credit card company when the item isn’t as advertised and the seller’s customer service doesn’t help.
Before online shopping, at any time of the year, update your operating system, and keep your anti-virus software current, too.
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