Unsolicited emails — commonly known as spam — are unwanted messages sent in bulk to your inbox by advertisers, scammers, and data harvesters. Beyond being an annoyance, spam emails are dangerous. They are the primary delivery mechanism for phishing attacks, malware, and identity theft. Furthermore, they waste your time and storage. This guide explains what they are and why you receive them. Moreover, it covers the most effective steps to stop them.
What Are Unsolicited Emails?
Unsolicited or spam emails are electronic messages you did not request and have no prior relationship with the sender. They arrive without your consent and range from promotional junk mail to sophisticated phishing attempts designed to steal your credentials or financial data. Unlike legitimate marketing emails, spam is sent at scale with no opt-in from the recipient.
What Are the Common Types of Unsolicited Emails?
- Promotional junk mail — Bulk emails from vendors, retailers, or subscription services you may have inadvertently signed up for by ticking a pre-checked box.
- Subscription emails — These occur when you enter your email address on a website without reading the terms. You then receive ongoing newsletters that you did not knowingly request.
- Ghost emails — Blank emails with no sender name or subject line, often caused by a system glitch or a failed spoofed delivery attempt.
- Phishing emails — The most dangerous type. These impersonate banks, government agencies, or trusted brands to trick you into clicking malicious links or revealing passwords and OTPs. Read our guide on how to prevent phishing scams for details.
- Email spoofing — These are emails forged to appear from someone you know or trust. Scammers use them to bypass spam filters and increase click-through rates.
Why Are You Getting So Many Spam Emails?
- Accidental subscriptions — Pre-checked newsletter boxes on e-commerce or registration forms silently add you to mailing lists.
- Email address published on public forums — Bots constantly scrape forums, social media, and websites for email addresses to add to spam lists.
- Data breach at a third party — If a company that held your email was compromised, your address was likely sold on the dark web.
- Clicking on malicious links — Engaging with a spam message signals to the sender that your address is active, triggering more spam from multiple sources.
How to Stop Unsolicited Emails from Reaching Your Inbox?
- Uncheck pre-filled subscription boxes — Always read the fine print before clicking OK on any sign-up form. Untick any boxes that opt you in to newsletters or promotional offers.
- Never reply to spam — Responding to spam confirms your address is active. This results in even more spam. Therefore, always delete without replying. Delete without replying.
- Use email filters — Most email clients allow you to create custom filters. Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo all support this feature. These filters automatically move messages from identified senders to the spam folder.
- Block senders directly — Use the block function in your email client to prevent specific senders from reaching your inbox again.
- Create a disposable email address — Use a throwaway address for online contests, deal registrations, and website sign-ups to protect your primary inbox.
- Do not share your email on public forums — Keep your primary email private and use alternate addresses for any publicly visible postings.
- Never click links or open attachments in spam — Even a single click can download malware or confirm your address to the sender’s systems.
- Use a reputable spam filter or email security service — Business users should consider a dedicated email gateway that screens inbound messages before they reach your inbox.
What to Do If You Are a Victim of Email Fraud?
If you were defrauded through a phishing email, act immediately. First, take these steps:
- Preserve all fraudulent emails — Do not delete them; they are evidence for the investigation.
- Change your email password immediately and de-link all connected devices and accounts.
- Inform your bank if there has been any monetary loss and request a transaction freeze.
- File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in or call the National Cyber Crime Helpline on 1930.
For expert assistance with email fraud investigation, contact cyber expert Anuraag Singh.
