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

I received 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.

QUICK TECH TIPS ON HOW TO SAVE PRINTER INK, AVOID MALWARE, SPEED BROWSING — AND MORE

Try Tech News and Hacks, the FREE newsletters read by 579,890 people who want helpful tech advice and are tired of tech news and tips meant for experts and coders. It’s easy to subscribe and easy to cancel!

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.

GENIUS TECH LIFE HACKS NO ONE TELLS YOU — UNTIL NOW

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:

For Apple Mail

For Gmail:

Use spam filters

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR PERSONAL INFO AFTER A DATA BREACH

For Outlook on Windows 10:

For Gmail:

To set up a filter using a spam email that you’ve received:

Consider third-party tools

Sometimes, you need to bring in the big guns, especially if it’s an inbox you’ve had for years and years … and have shared with everyone under the sun.

Balancing caution and convenience are the key to banishing email clutter. You’re already on your way to a cleaner inbox!

Keep your tech-know going 

My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode.

PODCAST PICK: 

NFL goes AI, e-bike for preschoolers & get $15 from Amazon

Plus, always forget your laptop charger? Here’s how to make your laptop battery last longer. Now’s the time to stop leaving voicemails — we’ve got the lowdown on new phone etiquette rules. TikTok slang for parents and how to turn an okay resume into a great one.

Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

Sound like a tech pro, even if you’re not! Award-winning popular host Kim Komando is your secret weapon. Listen on 425+ radio stations or get the podcast. And join over 600,000 people who get her free 5-minute daily email newsletter.

Copyright 2023, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.