Spam calls, emails, and texts — we all dread them. Whether it’s an urgent “once-in-a-lifetime offer” or a “you’ve won the lottery!” scam, these unsolicited messages are not only annoying but can also be harmful. If you’re overwhelmed by the constant interruptions, you’re not alone. According to Spam Laws, 45% of all emails are spam, with 14.5 billion messages sent globally every day! Fortunately, there are steps you can take to stop these digital pests for good. Let’s dive into the most effective ways to eliminate spam from your life.
How to Stop Spam Emails
Spam emails fill up inboxes, clutter our screens, and often contain phishing links. Here are some of the best ways to protect yourself:
- Set Up Spam Filters
Most email clients already have built-in spam filters, but you can take this a step further by refining the process. Report spam instead of just deleting unwanted emails, and mark any legitimate messages found in the spam folder as “not spam”. You can also block senders to stop them from spamming you again. - Protect Your Email Address
The simplest way to protect your primary email is to only share it with trusted sources. Create a secondary email for online shopping or signing up for websites. If you must share your email publicly, consider writing it out the long way (e.g., jane.doe [at] gmail [dot] com). This prevents bots from scraping it. For Gmail users, you can also use dots in your email address to create variations, helping you manage different sources without the risk of spam. - Use Third-Party Extensions
There are numerous apps that offer smarter spam filters for your email. These services can adjust to your preferences and help you report spammers to ISPs, making it harder for them to target you. - Unsubscribe from Newsletters
Many spam emails come from newsletters that you once subscribed to. Instead of deleting them, take the time to unsubscribe from these lists. Some email clients even help you locate the unsubscribe button, saving you time. Tools like Unroll.me allow you to unsubscribe from multiple newsletters at once. - Read the Message Before Opening
If the subject line looks suspicious, it’s better to avoid opening the email altogether. Emails claiming you’ve won the lottery or asking for financial details are typically spam. Also, watch out for misspellings or odd formatting in the text. - Never Click on Links
If you accidentally open a spam email, avoid clicking on any links. Even if it appears to come from a trusted source, always double-check before clicking.
How to Stop Spam Texts
Spam texts are equally frustrating, often interrupting your day with unwanted promotions or scams. Follow these steps to keep your phone free from spam:
- Never Respond to Spam Texts
Replying to a spam text, especially when instructed to text “STOP”, only confirms that your number is active. This opens the door to even more spam. Do not click on any links in these texts. - Report Spam Texts
If you receive a spam text, forward it to 77026 (for most US carriers) to help report the sender. This contributes to the broader effort to block spammers and can eventually reduce the volume of spam messages you receive. - Block the Number
On most smartphones, you can block individual numbers. Though spammers often use multiple numbers, blocking one will stop that particular source of spam. It’s a simple yet effective way to reduce unwanted messages. - Opt Out of Marketing Texts
If you receive marketing texts from companies you’ve previously subscribed to, you can text “STOP” to opt-out. By law, companies are obligated to honour your request and stop sending you messages.
How to Stop Spam Calls
Spam calls are becoming more frequent, and dealing with them can feel like a never-ending battle. Here’s how to take control:
- Pick Up the Phone, but Stay Silent
Though it seems counterintuitive, answering the phone and remaining silent can help avoid further spam calls. The automated system will often hang up if there is no response. - Use a “Not in Service” Message
Record a voicemail message that claims the number is no longer in service. When spam callers hear this, they will typically remove you from their list, as it signals that your phone number is inactive. - Download a Spam Blocking App
There are several apps designed to track and block spam calls, including free ones and paid versions with enhanced features. These apps use databases of known spam numbers to automatically identify and block fraudulent calls.
Politely Ask to Be Removed from Their Database
If you find yourself dealing with spam calls from a company you’ve engaged with, simply ask to be removed from their list. By law, they must respect your request and stop calling you.
