Spam mails have become a common nuisance for email users. Spam emails are unwanted and unsolicited messages that flood our inboxes, causing frustration and wasting our time. We cannot do without email in this age, but the albatross of this wonderful service is what makes email discouraging. We will explore some tips and tricks to combat spam and keep our inboxes clean.
Avoid sharing your email address publicly
It is important to understand how spam emails are sent to our inboxes. Most often, spammers collect email addresses from various sources such as online directories, social media platforms, and public databases. Then, they use automated tools to send bulk emails to these addresses. Therefore, one effective way to combat spam is to protect your email address from being harvested by spammers. Avoid sharing your email address on public forums, websites, or social media platforms.
Have separate email address for different purposes
Another way to protect your email address is by creating separate email accounts for different purposes. For instance, you can create one email account for personal use and another for professional use. This will not only help you organize your emails better, it will also minimize the risk of spam emails flooding your inbox. As an advice, it is a good idea to create disposable email addresses for temporary use, especially when signing up for online services or websites that require an email address.
Enable spam filter
Moreover, most email providers offer built-in spam filters that help identify and block spam emails. These filters analyze incoming emails and check for specific patterns that are commonly associated with spam emails. Therefore, it is important to enable these filters and regularly check the spam folder to ensure no legitimate emails have been marked as spam. You can also customize the spam filter settings to match your preferences and requirements.
Be careful about clicking links from unverified sources
Take precautions when responding to or clicking on links or attachments in emails from unverified and unverifiable sources. These links or attachments may contain malware that can infect your device or steal your personal information. Also, be wary of emails that appear to be from reputable sources, such as banks or government agencies, but ask for personal information or money. These are most likely phishing emails and should be reported to your email provider or the relevant authority.
Use the ‘Unsubscribe’ function
Many of us keep receiving emails and newsletters from sources we once subscribed to, even when they are no longer relevant to us. It is advisable to unsubscribe from newsletters and promotional emails that you no longer wish to receive, this keeps your email inbox sane. Most legitimate newsletters and promotional emails include an “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of the email. Clicking on this link will remove you from the mailing list and prevent further emails from being sent to your inbox.
Keep your inbox clean
It is important to maintain good email hygiene practices, and this includes keeping your inbox organized and clean. Regularly delete unwanted and unnecessary emails, and keep your inbox clutter-free. This does not only help improve your productivity, it also reduces the risk of missing important emails.
Combating spam is an ongoing process that requires a combination of preventive measures and good email hygiene practices. By following the listed points, you will be able to keep your inbox clean, organized, and free from the nuisance of spam emails.