Unsubscribing From Spam: Is It Really Safe?

Unsolicited email, or spam, is a common nuisance online. While the natural reaction is to unsubscribe from these unwanted messages, tech expert Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson cautions against it in certain situations. He explains that clicking the 'unsubscribe' link in spam emails from unknown sources can inadvertently verify your email address to spammers. This confirmation could lead to even more spam.

So, when should you avoid unsubscribing? Knutsson advises against clicking the link in emails that seem suspicious or come from unfamiliar senders. Instead, he recommends marking the email as spam within your email provider. This action helps train your email filter to recognize and block similar messages in the future.

For legitimate emails from companies you recognize, unsubscribing is generally safe. However, always double-check the sender's address and the website link before clicking. Using a strong spam filter, reporting suspicious emails, and being cautious about sharing your email address online are the best ways to protect yourself from unwanted spam.