Spam is unwanted and unsolicited digital communication that ends up in inboxes and all forms of digital media. The average person finds it annoying, akin to having a telemarketer call them every day for a product or service that they’re not interested in.
With how prevalent it has become because of the internet, people have accepted that it’s just a consequence of using digital technology. But this doesn’t mean that you should simply let it happen, so to speak.
If you want to learn more about how to minimise the spam messages you get, the rest of the article should provide you with valuable tips.
1. Don’t Just Go for Options Selected by Default
During sign-ups, you’d see check boxes that are just there. Most people don’t read what they agree to, and some marketers take advantage of that.
If you normally just want to zoom through online registration processes, you’re at a greater risk of agreeing for them to send you emails or even share your data with their partners. Reading what you agree to can take just 10 seconds and save you a lot of trouble.
2. Learn How to Recognize Spam
Knowing what to look for is the most important part. After all, how can you prevent yourself from becoming a victim of spam messages if you don’t even recognize them?
If you can spot them instantly, it will be easier for you to take the necessary actions. Otherwise, they’ll just continue trying to get you to take the bait.
3. Create a Separate Email Address
Did you know that 85% of the emails sent are spam? This just goes to show how big the problem is. So instead of trying to get rid of those coming to your personal email, it may be easier to create another one instead.
If you’re completely immersed in the digital world, it can help to have different emails depending on the purpose. For example, you probably shouldn’t use an email associated with your bank account to sign up for online games.
4. Opt out from Data Brokers
One of the reasons why people get so much spam is because their email addresses or phone numbers have been traded by data brokers. Also known as “information brokers”, these companies collect sensitive data from a variety of sources, including social media, public records, loyalty schemes, and more.
It is possible to opt out of these brokers. However, as there are thousands of them operating worldwide, this process can take weeks and even months. Companies such as Incogni offer automated tools for opting out of data brokers and resources for deleting your personal information online, which can save hours of your time.
Is It Possible to Completely Get Rid of Spam?
There’s just no way for you to get rid of them completely without overhauling all your digital assets. Unless you’re willing to change your email address, name on social media, phone number, and other details, some will still get through to you.
Still, it probably won’t work. You’re bound to create other accounts and leave a digital footprint again. Think of it this way: if you want to have no contact with anyone who may do you harm, you’ll have to cut yourself from the rest of the world.
Given the obvious impracticality of that situation, taking the necessary precautions, such as those mentioned above, is your next best move. You may not be able to get rid of it but managing a couple of spam messages is always going to be easier than a hundred.
