Unsolicited e mail
The scourge of the internet!
Unsolicited email, also known as spam, is an email that is sent to a recipient without their consent or request. It is often unwanted and can be annoying, frustrating, and even harmful.
Types of unsolicited email:
- Spam: Commercial emails that are sent in bulk to a large number of recipients, often with the intention of promoting a product or service.
- Phishing emails: Emails that attempt to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or financial information.
- Scam emails: Emails that aim to deceive or defraud recipients, often by asking them to send money or provide personal information.
- Junk mail: Emails that are sent to a large number of recipients, often with the intention of promoting a product or service, but are not targeted to a specific individual or group.
Why do people send unsolicited email?
- Commercial purposes: Companies may send unsolicited emails to promote their products or services, hoping to generate sales or leads.
- Spammers: Criminals may send unsolicited emails to make money by tricking recipients into revealing sensitive information or by installing malware on their devices.
- Malware distribution: Unsolicited emails may be used to distribute malware, such as viruses, Trojan horses, or spyware.
How to deal with unsolicited email:
- Delete it: If the email is clearly spam or junk, delete it immediately.
- Mark it as spam: Most email providers allow you to mark an email as spam, which helps to filter out similar emails in the future.
- Report it: If the email is suspicious or malicious, report it to the email provider or the relevant authorities.
- Use filters: Set up filters in your email client to automatically sort or delete unsolicited emails.
- Be cautious: Be wary of emails that ask for personal information or try to trick you into revealing sensitive information.
Remember, it's always a good idea to be cautious when receiving unsolicited emails and to take steps to protect yourself from potential threats.