Spam or junk mail is undoubtedly one of the main problems when using e-mail. It can be desperate to see how every day the inbox is flooded with these e-mails that we do not want. However, why does this happen? Why is it that sometimes the mailbox can become more and more full of Spam? We are going to explain the main reasons for this. In addition, we will give you some tips to prevent this from happening. Stay reading to learn more about Email Spam.
What causes Spam to arrive in the mail
Having junk mail in your inbox is not uncommon. However, when this number increases considerably, we should be concerned. We should think about what could have happened to constantly receive so many Spam e-mails. Theoretically, it is an annoying situation. However, it can also lead to security problems. Beyond whether Spam is dangerous or not, what is certain is that it is going to harm us when the inbox is full. There are several reasons why we will have problems:
- It wastes our time
- It generates less productivity in a company
- Stress and fatigue by having to constantly delete mails
- It can cause us to overlook important emails
Let’s take a look at some of the habits that contribute to the increase in the arrival of Spam.
Make public the address
One reason why so much Spam arrives in the inbox is by making the e-mail address public. This happens, for example, when sending a message in an Internet forum. We may leave the address written there and that is a problem, since anyone could see it. This also includes bots that can crawl the network to register mails.
Something similar happens when we post a comment on a web page or give too much information on social networks. In these cases, our address may also end up in the wrong hands and that will be a problem in terms of privacy. They will start flooding the inbox with spam.
Registering on insecure sites
Of course, the sites where you register are also going to be an entry point for spam emails. If you create an account on an unreliable site, which may use your data for advertising purposes, then your inbox could be flooded with Spam and pose a real problem.
The same can be said of an application you install that requests your data, for example. In these cases, it could also be putting you on a list or Spam campaigns and your e-mail address could be harmed.
Accept promotions
You can also end up on a Spam list for having accepted certain conditions when installing a program or promotions through social networks. Even by registering in a public Wi-Fi network, you could be accepting that your data will be used for advertising purposes, even if you do not know it.
This is a common problem, since there are many occasions in which we accept terms without really reading them thoroughly. In numerous instances, we may be agreeing to receive advertising through e-mail.
Using a supplier with a bad filter
Another thing to consider is the type of email you use. Most of them will have a filter to detect junk mails that are a problem. It will automatically send them to the Spam folder. However, you may be using a provider that does not have a good filter, and that is the reason.
If you use an e-mail provider that is not reliable, that does not have a good anti-spam configuration, you could see your inbox flooded without you doing anything. It would not divert the junk mail. In short, as you can see, there are different reasons why your inbox may fill up with Spam. Whatever the reason, you should always mark these emails as junk emails and do not send them to the main inbox.
How to avoid spam
After explaining the main causes of Spam, we are going to give you some tips on how to avoid junk mail. Some steps you can take to protect your e-mail address and reduce those annoying e-mails that do not contribute anything and can even become a problem.
Use multiple accounts
One option you can consider is to use different email accounts. This way, you will reduce the risk of getting junk mail and flooding your inbox. You can have each of them for a well-defined function, and thus limit their functions and not expose them more than necessary. Use the following guide to create accounts:
- E-mail for work: this way you separate your work life from your personal life and avoid filling up your spam folder.
- Personal or private e-mail: this is the e-mail that you will use for your personal life, to receive and send e-mails to friends, family, companies, etc. Here you can include purchases you make on the net, reliable forums, etc.
- E-mail for less reliable matters: a third option would be to create an e-mail for everything that is not reliable. For example, registering on a web page that you do not trust, using a program that is not secure, etc. This way you will avoid affecting your personal account.
Taking care of your personal information
Of course, it is essential to take care of your personal information. You should avoid exposing your email account more than necessary. For example, do not make public the address in open forums or web pages that can be read by anyone and then include you in a Spam campaign without your permission.
This also includes social networks and the use you are going to make of them. You should not expose your accounts or information publicly. This would allow anyone to see what you have posted on Facebook, for example, and that includes your email address.
Avoid registering on dubious sites
Whenever you are going to register on a website or any online platform, you should always make sure that it is really reliable. Otherwise, your personal data could be at risk and that includes your e-mail address as well. You could start receiving spam for this reason.
If you are going to register somewhere, and you don’t know whether it is reliable or not, you can always use an alternative to your main e-mail address. For example, you can have an address for these cases or even use a disposable email account, which expires after a while and once you have already registered. Ultimately we have seen how to avoid Spam in email. See you soon!
