Archives - Spam


Don’t follow links in email spam messages

Some spam relies on generators that try variations of email addresses at certain domains. If you click a link within an email message or reply to a certain address, you are just confirming that your email address is valid. Unwanted messages that offer an “unsubscribe” option are particularly tempting, but this is often just a […]

Filter out potential message-based scams in Apple iMessage

The Messages app on any iPhone or Mac collects both your SMS texts and iMessage chats. For the latter, you can configure a setting that disables notifications for any iMessage from a phone number or email address that’s not already in your contacts list. That can filter out phishing scams and general message spam.

Don’t spam other people

Be a responsible and considerate user. Some people consider email forwards a type of spam, so be selective with the messages you redistribute. Don’t forward every message to everyone in your address book, and if recipients ask that you not forward messages to them, respect their requests.

Don’t open email spam, delete it unread

Never respond to email spam, as this will confirm to the sender that it is a “live” address. Have a primary and secondary email address – one for people you know and one for all other purposes. Avoid giving out your email address unless you know how it will be used. Never purchase anything advertised […]

Urgent emails – think before you act

Ignore emails or communications that create a sense of urgency and require you to respond to a crisis, such as a problem with your bank account or taxes. Imposter scams happen when you receive an email or call seemingly from a government official, family member, or friend urgently requesting that you wire them money to […]