How do you get rid of all that email spam? The trick in this podcast.
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.
It takes forever to find all your subscriptions — Use this shortcut
It’s not easy to stay on top of all the apps and services you’re spending money on each month. Individually, they might not be much — but together, they probably add up to a big chunk of change.
If you’re struggling to keep track of subscription costs, you can certainly look over your expenses the old-fashioned way. But we’ve got to warn you. It’ll take more time than you realize. That’s why we like Rocket Money, a sponsor of Kim’s national radio show.
The problem with unsubscribing
Is hitting that “unsubscribe” button the right way to go if you suspect a spammer is behind the message? In 60 seconds, the right way to say goodbye.