Reducing Spam

Senders can be alerted when you open a message—encouraging them to continue sending.

If you do happen to open a spam message (email or text), never open any links that have been sent to you. At best, this could let the sender know that the email/phone number they sent it to works—potentially resulting in more spam. Clicking links can also expose you to malware, scam messages or fake websites.

Even if it’s to tell them to stop, don’t reply to any spam message (or follow any removal instructions that might be included).

You can set up email filters to keep specific senders out of your inbox or block specific numbers (text spam).

Create a separate account for situations where you’re not sure how your email will be used or shared (subscribing to magazines, registering products, posting to online discussion groups). While this won’t necessarily reduce the amount of spam you receive, it’ll keep it out of your primary email.

You can create disposable email addresses (for accounts, subscriptions or marketing communications) and forward them to a primary email address. When they start receiving spam, stop using them.

By opting out of receiving emails when you shop or sign up for services, you'll help to reduce unwanted email.

You can report email spam by filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, notifying your email provider and reporting the message to the sender’s email marketing service/email provider. 

You can report text spam to most carriers by forwarding the original message to 7726 (SPAM). You can also report these by filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or the Federal Communications Commission.