Decoding the implications of spam
When you respond to spam emails, it’s like sending out a beacon—it primarily tells the sender that your email is active. This might sound like a small thing, but it’s, in fact, a big deal. It means you’ve just made their job easier.
Now that they know they’ve got a “live one” on the hook, they’ll likely target you even more aggressively. You’ve become prime real estate in their database. They might sell or trade your email address with other shady characters, leading to an influx of unwanted emails.
Why you should never reply to spam emails
By engaging with a spam email, even if it’s just to say “stop emailing me,” you’re signaling that you might be susceptible to other forms of manipulation or deceit. Scammers often play a numbers game. By showing them you’re attentive to their unsolicited messages, you’ve unwittingly increased your odds of getting even more spam emails.
MORE: DON’T FALL FOR THAT DECEPTIVE EMAIL ASKING FOR YOUR HELP
What could happen if your device gets infected?
Here’s a breakdown of what can happen:
Cybercriminals can take over your computer without your consent and use it for malicious purposes.
MORE: PROTECT YOURSELF FROM TECH SUPPORT SCAMS
Dodging the scam bullet
How to secure your digital self
Use identity theft protection:
What to do if you think you’ve been the victim of identity theft?
Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or call 877-438-4338. This will help you create an Identity Theft Report, which is a statement of what happened and what accounts are affected.
Contact the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and Transunion. Ask them to place fraud alerts and a credit freeze on your accounts. This will prevent new accounts from being opened in your name without your verification. You can also order free copies of your credit reports and review them for any errors or suspicious activity.
Contact the fraud department at your credit card issuers, bank, and other places where you have accounts. Tell them what happened and ask them to close or freeze any accounts that were opened or tampered with by the identity thief. You may need to provide them with a copy of your identity Theft Report or a police report.
Collect and keep any evidence related to the identity theft, such as the spam email, the fake site, any receipts or statements, or any correspondence with the identity thief or the companies involved. This will help you prove your case and dispute any fraudulent charges or claims.
Monitor your credit reports, bank statements, and bills regularly for any signs of identity theft. If you notice any unauthorized or suspicious transactions, report them immediately to the appropriate company or agency.
Navigating the online world is a lot like traversing a bustling city full of opportunities and dangers. Just as you’d keep an eye on your belongings and avoid shady characters in a crowded place, you need to be watchful of where you click and whom you trust online. Spam emails are one of the most common and persistent threats that can lure you into scams or malware. Sure, we have our tech tools and safeguards, but just as in that crowded city, our wits and awareness often save the day.
What’s the sneakiest scam email you’ve ever received? And more importantly, did it almost get you? Share your close calls by commenting below.
FOR MORE OF MY TECH TIPS & SECURITY ALERTS, SUBSCRIBE TO MY FREE CYBERGUY REPORT NEWSLETTER HERE
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. CyberGuy.com articles and content may contain affiliate links that earn a commission when purchases are made.
21 comments