I'm getting a lot of spam email these days.

The emails often contain a link to supposedly unsubscribe. However, I don't know how I'm getting on to these email lists. And I'm suspicious what these unsubscribe links really do - they could be malicious. I indicate that the email is spam or junk but I get getting the emails from the same sources (junk email / block sender function doesn't work for whatever reason).

What to do? Do you guys usually use the unsubscribe links in spam emails? What's the best option here? Just accept this as a fact of life - just delete and move on? I've gotten at least 6 emails from the same sender today. Pissing me off.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
I'm getting a lot of spam email these days.

The emails often contain a link to supposedly unsubscribe. However, I don't know how I'm getting on to these email lists. And I'm suspicious what these unsubscribe links really do - they could be malicious. I indicate that the email is spam or junk but I get getting the emails from the same sources (junk email / block sender function doesn't work for whatever reason).

What to do? Do you guys usually use the unsubscribe links in spam emails? What's the best option here? Just accept this as a fact of life - just delete and move on? I've gotten at least 6 emails from the same sender today. Pissing me off.

I’m wary of the unsubscribe link as well. These days I just block that contact email and they don’t seem to get through.

If it's a known legit site, I use the unsubscribe.

All others I place on my junk list and let the software do the best it can.

Any likely spam/scam stuff, I would never use the unsubscribe link as that just lets them know yo are a real live potential sucker or victim.

quote:

Do you guys usually use the unsubscribe links in spam emails?

No way. I'm not taking any chances.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
I don't know how I'm getting on to these email lists.

Spammers sell their email lists to one another and to mailing list brokers--who in turn sell them to other spammers.

In short: Once an email address starts getting spammed it's only going to get worse and worse.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
(junk email / block sender function doesn't work for whatever reason).

That's because spammers and scammers spoof their sender addresses, among other things. Blocking/filtering on a sender address you don't know to be legitimate is hopeless.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
Do you guys usually use the unsubscribe links in spam emails?

Never. All that accomplishes is to verify for the spammer they have a valid target. Never unsubscribe from that to which you did not subscribe.

Beyond this I fear I can't help you. Perhaps there are tools or email application plugins or whatever for end-users that can help you. Personally: I run my own mailserver and it has very aggressive spam filtering. Spam still gets through, but only about 10% or less of what otherwise would.

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:
If it's a known legit site, I use the unsubscribe.

All others I place on my junk list and let the software do the best it can.

Any likely spam/scam stuff, I would never use the unsubscribe link as that just lets them know yo are a real live potential sucker or victim.

This. If I've done business with them recently I unsubscribe. If there's anything questionable → SPAM.