Spam emails — what a nuisance! Not only are they irritating, but deleting every single one can feel like a never-ending chore, especially when anti-spam tools don’t seem to do the trick. Those offers for miracle cures, shady loans, or worse, are enough to make anyone’s inbox feel like a minefield.
While much of it is harmless enough, the real trouble starts when scammers turn to darker tactics. A 2023 UK government study found that 79% of businesses and 83% of charities faced phishing attacks in that year. Phishing tops the list as the most common cybercrime, and the stats suggest that the UK is Europe’s prime target.
Spammers are getting craftier too. Take the LinkedIn password breach — not long ago, many users received what appeared to be official emails, urging them to confirm their details. Instead, the link led to a dodgy online pharmacy.
So, how do you fight back against spam? The good news is there are some simple steps that can help cut down those unwanted emails.
Use Spam Filters
First things first: be sure that you’re using a good email hosting provider with an anti-spam filter.
123 Reg Professional Email comes with built-in spam filters that help keep your inbox clear of unwanted emails.
Having a professional email address tied to your custom domain — like you@yourbusiness.com — not only looks more polished but also boosts trust with your customers. Professional email services also offer added security, such as spam filters and virus protection, keeping your inbox safe and organised.
Microsoft 365 Email includes essential tools to help users combat spam. You can tweak the sensitivity and manage Safe Senders lists to fine-tune what gets through. Built-in phishing protection and Advanced Threat Protection (with certain plans) add extra layers of security against sophisticated threats.
Other Ways to Stop Spam
✓ Consider setting up a secondary “disposable” email address
For newsletters, forums, or online shopping, set up a secondary email. It keeps your main inbox clutter-free and reduces exposure to unwanted messages.
✓ Set up a contact form instead
Using a contact form can help you avoid spambots from collecting your email address. It also gives users a straightforward way to get in touch without exposing your email online.
✓ Don’t respond to suspicious “Unsubscribe” buttons
Even if it seems tempting, avoid clicking “unsubscribe” or replying to spam emails you know are dodgy. Often, these links are designed to confirm your email address or lead to more unwanted messages. It’s safer to mark them as spam and delete them instead.
✓ Never click suspicious links
Added to the above and a good rule of thumb in general online, avoid dodgy links that can lead to malware or phishing sites. Even if it looks legit, steer clear unless you’re 100% sure it’s safe.
✓ Be selective with your email
Avoid using your primary email address on every website. Stick to trusted, secure sites. Once spammers get hold of your email, the floodgates open — and it’s not pretty.
✓ Consider anti-spam tools
There are also third-party anti-spam tools available to enhance email security by effectively blocking spam and phishing emails. These tools use various techniques to filter out unwanted messages. Consider installing browser extensions like SpamCop or similar tools to report spam directly from your inbox. These services help identify spammers and reduce unwanted emails for others too.
✓ Obfuscate your email address
If you prefer displaying your email address, consider writing it in a way that spambots can’t easily read, such as “myname@mycompany dot com” or “myname [at] mycompany [dot] com.” This can trick bots while keeping your contact details accessible for humans.
While hiding your email addresses might help cut down on spam, it’s not always the best look for online businesses — it may seem unprofessional and make it harder for customers to get in touch. A contact form is often a better option for keeping things clean and simple.
✓ Be aware of file types whenever you download
Whether in an email or from anywhere else, for that matter. While anti-virus software has its role to play, simply having an awareness of file type extensions can do a lot for one’s online security. For example, does that file labeled “FamilyPhoto” end with ‘.jpg’ or ‘.bmp’, as a picture file should, or does it end with ‘.exe’? Opening a mysterious file of the latter type — that is, an executable file — is often a recipe for disaster.
On Windows, you can display these extensions in the File Explorer by checking the ‘File name extensions’ box under the ‘View’ tab. For Mac users, enabling this feature is done in Finder by selecting ‘Preferences,’ then ‘Advanced,’ and checking ‘Show all filename extensions.’ This practice helps you spot and avoid suspicious files, providing an added layer of security in your digital activities.
✓ Stay informed
Spam evolves fast. Stay up to date on the latest phishing tactics and pass that knowledge on to friends, family, or colleagues. The more people know, the less effective spammers become.
✓ Report it
The UK government offers its own page to report scams and phishing. You can report spam emails, fraudulent websites, but also scam activities you suspect by post or telephone. Check it out, here.
To learn more about professional custom email, check out our guide: Why Every Business Needs a Professional Email Address
Looking for professional custom email for your business? 123 Reg Professional Email offers mobile-friendly webmail and productivity tools to help you stay organised on the go. With built-in spam filters, your inbox stays secure, giving customers every reason to trust the emails you send.
