Your email inbox can quickly become inundated with spam, scam emails, and fraudulent websites if you’re not careful. To protect yourself from these digital intruders, follow these five strategies shared by Faisal Abidi to fight against digital spam.
1) Avoid contact with unsolicited emails
Sometimes, unsolicited emails can get through our spam filters and cause stress when they land in our inboxes. A good way to avoid them is by using a secondary email address for accounts you use less frequently (such as your PayPal account). However, if you end up with spam on these accounts, it’s also important that you monitor these addresses closely so as not to miss legitimate messages. With a bit of extra effort, though, most scams and frauds can be avoided.
2) Do not purchase products from unsolicited emails
Just because you received an email saying I found your credit card on a bus does not mean that it is legitimate. In fact, it is more likely a scam than a genuine message. Also, do not purchase products advertised via unsolicited emails, as these are often frauds. To fight digital spam, always check with a company before making purchases or entering credit card details for the first time.
3) Do not share your bank details in any circumstance
If you receive an email asking for your bank details or social security number, it’s a scam. Be sure not to click any links sent in a suspicious email or download anything from it; these are often used by hackers and scammers as a backdoor into your computer. The most important thing you can do is be very careful about sharing personal information with anyone online. The best way to avoid scams and fraud is by not falling for them in the first place.
4) Delete the message, do not reply
It’s always a good idea to check your junk mail folder regularly and delete any messages that might contain fraud or phishing scams. If you are unsure if an email is legitimate, it’s best not to reply and report it as spam. However, one of these emails can still be dangerous; never follow links provided in an unsolicited email, even if they appear to come from known contacts.
5) Check online reviews and company ratings before buying anything
Unscrupulous companies are trying to make a buck any way they can, so you have to stay one step ahead of them by doing your research. If you want something—anything—online, check its reviews and company ratings first. For example, if you’re looking for a new product, search for it on Amazon or Consumer Reports and read what other people say about it.
