Spam is on the Rise: How to Spot It and What to Do About It

Why am I Getting So Much Spam?   

Getting bombarded with spam emails? There are a few reasons why this might be happening:

• You’re on a mailing list: One of the main reasons for an uptick in spam is that your email address has been added to a mailing list used for newsletters, promotions, and marketing. Sometimes, your email gets added without your knowledge or consent.
• You clicked on a spam email: If you’ve accidentally clicked on a spam email, you’ve likely confirmed to the sender that your email is active, which can trigger even more spam.
• Your email was shared or sold: When you shop online or sign up for services, your email might be shared or sold to third-party marketers who enjoy flooding inboxes with spam.
• Weak spam filters: Your email provider’s spam filters may not be catching everything. Spam filters aren’t foolproof, and sometimes unwanted email marketing sneaks through.

What to Watch Out For

Awareness is key when deciding if something is spam. Spammers are always trying new tricks to get you to click, so staying alert is the first line of defence. Here are a few things to look for:

• Suspicious links: Trust your gut if a link doesn’t seem right. Hover over the link to preview where it’s taking you before clicking. If it looks off, don’t engage.
• Unexpected attachments: If you don’t expect a file, don’t open it. Attachments are a common way spammers sneak in malware.
• Strange sender names or addresses: Check email addresses carefully. A slight misspelling or an unfamiliar name can be a major red flag.
• Urgent or unusual requests: Spammers love creating urgency. If an email demands immediate action, like sending money or clicking a link, slow down and verify.

How to Deal with Spam

Once you’ve identified spam, don’t let it pile up in your inbox. Here’s what you can do with it:

• Block and report: Most email platforms let you block and report spam with a few clicks, which helps improve spam filters for everyone.
• Never engage: Don’t click on any links or reply to the sender, as this can show that your email address is active and potentially fill your inbox with unwanted solicitation.
• Filter your inbox: Set up filters to automatically sort potential spam into a separate folder so it doesn’t clutter your inbox.
• Update security settings: Two-factor authentication and tight email security settings can deter spammers from accessing your account.
• Unsubscribe from mailing lists: If your inbox is full of unwanted promotional emails, chances are you’re on a mailing list without knowing. Most legit newsletters and marketing emails have an “Unsubscribe” link at the bottom. Just click it, and you’ll go to a page where you can remove yourself from the list.

Why Awareness Matters

At Conscious Commerce Corporation, we value awareness. Whether you're identifying spam or managing your business, staying informed helps you stay in control. Knowing what to look for puts you in a better position to make good decisions.

With spamming, awareness means watching for signs of suspicious emails, avoiding potential scams, and protecting your personal data from becoming compromised. It helps prevent costly mistakes like phishing attacks, malware, identity theft, or financial loss.

In a business sense, awareness keeps you ahead of the curve. It helps you prepare for challenges, stay on top of market trends, and make informed decisions that drive success. 

Don’t Wait to Take Action

Spam isn’t going away anytime soon.

Conscious Commerce Corporation can protect you from unwanted intrusions and keep you ahead in the marketplace with tools and strategies that help you stay sharp and in control.

Schedule a call with us today to explore customized solutions that fit your business objectives.