#BigChange for Instagram: As of today, you can no longer follow a hashtag (e.g., #healthycooking). Instagram pulled the plug, saying its hashtags are a mess of spam, bots and irrelevant posts. Try the “Explore” tab instead.
Overwhelmed with spam texts? Do this now
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Ever replied to a spam message with STOP or UNSUBSCRIBE? If so, you’re setting yourself up for even more annoyance. You rightfully think that you’re ending the noise, but you’ll make it worse.
Why? Spammers are hitting up as many people as possible, searching for working contact information. When you interact, you’re saying, “Yes, this phone number belongs to someone!” That’s great news for them. It lets them know you’re a real person they should target more often.
Instead, take these steps:
- For an email: Mark as spam, then hit delete.
- For a text: Block the phone number and mark the message as spam. Then, hit the delete button.
You can also forward spam texts to 7726 (that spells “SPAM”). You’ll get back a message from your carrier asking you to reply with the phone number that sent the offending text. It only takes a minute and can help stop some spam campaigns.
If you have an iPhone:
- Find the spam message. Press down on it until a menu pops up.
- Press More. Then, tap on the arrow icon.
- Now, you’ll see a forwarded message. Tap on the To: field. Then, enter 7726 and send the message.
If you use an Android phone:
- Hold down on the spam message.
- Hit the forward arrow.
- Send the message to 7726.
Want to be a superhero?
Go beyond the call of duty, contact the FTC and file a formal complaint. While this step requires more time and effort, it’s an excellent way to fight against spammers. Consider it your good deed for the day.
Go further and get your number out of their hands for good
How to make sure emails you want to see don't end up lost in spam
ChatGPT
Have you ever felt like spam is that one friend who just can’t take a hint? You know, the one who keeps inviting you to their pyramid scheme parties? Out of nowhere, your inbox is flooded with offers of “get rich quick” pitches. Some email providers block these kinds of messages before they cause trouble.
Top 3 scams that drain your bank account
It’s more than spam. These are the tricks scammers use to empty your wallet, and how to spot them.
🍏 Apple’s WWDC sour highlights: Just as I predicted, major disappointment. Apple’s iOS 26 is coming in the fall. Will it have a ton of AI? Will it work on the new Apple flip phone? No on both counts. But there’s the new Liquid Glass theme. The screen and app tiles will become translucent, less reflective. Wowsie. You can have polls in group texts, get live translation in calls and see alerts for spam for incoming calls. And you can have two windows open on your iPad. Finally.
💯 Keep The Current front and center: Don’t let my emails disappear into the black hole of spam or promo tabs. Add me to your favorites in just a click or two:
Tech tip: How to find anyone’s email address online
© Serezniy | Dreamstime.com
Keeping up with your inbox feels never-ending some days. Between work, your personal life, and all that spam, you might have hundreds of emails to sift through.
Is junk mail getting you down? Do something about it. Spending a little time once will save you from clicking “trash” all day. Tap or click for five simple ways to stop spam.
🚨 Deliverability: Noun. The likelihood that an email will successfully land in your inbox instead of being exiled to the deadly spam folder. I switched ESPs (email service providers), and I need your help. Reply, forward or rate the newsletter at the end, so Big Tech and your email provider know you want my free newsletter. This way, I’ll stick around like guac on a chip.
Excelling in email: Microsoft’s new Outlook rules will put you in a bad mood if you send over 5,000 emails a day and aren’t squeaky clean with SPF, DKIM and DMARC. Now, instead of spam folders, your email marketing will be basically just shouting into a canyon. Instead, use a free option like Mailchimp.
📞 Spam callers? They’re the worst. “Potential spam” is not the mystery adventure your phone thinks it is. Stop your phone from ringing for numbers you don’t know. For iPhones, go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and toggle it on. On Android, open your Phone app > Settings (three dots) > Blocked numbers and toggle unknown to on.
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Get a temporary email address without making a new account
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Your email spam filter is politically polarized
Is America so politically polarized that even your email spam filter is biased? Listen to this one-minute podcast for the research results.