Reader question: Is it safe to hit the ‘unsubscribe’ button on spam?

I got an email from a reader asking if hitting the “unsubscribe” button in her inbox is smart. Like many things in tech, it depends. In some cases, reacting to spammers might make your email a hot commodity, leading to more unwanted emails or even a spot on a “for sale” list.

Here’s the lowdown on how to stop getting emails you don’t want — without opening yourself up to more junk.

It could go one of two ways

With reputable companies, clicking unsubscribe should do the trick. If you’re receiving newsletters or promotional emails from brands you know, they generally follow email marketing regulations.

For unsolicited spam from unknown senders? Clicking unsubscribe may indeed make things worse. You inadvertently confirm that your email address is active … possibly leading to even more spam.

‘How do I know what to pick, Kim?’

Stick to familiar ground: If the email is from a trusted source (think brands you’ve shopped with or newsletters you’ve signed up for), go ahead and hit that unsubscribe button.

Dodge the unknown: If it’s a random email about a long-lost prince or a miracle cure, steer clear of the unsubscribe link. Mark the email as spam in your email client.

For Outlook:

  • Select the messages you want to report as junk.
  • From the top toolbar, select Report > Report Junk.

For Apple Mail

  • On your iPhone or iPad, swipe left on the message, tap More, then Move to Junk

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Some sneaky aloha spirit … They black out the unsubscribe link.