Unfortunately, while the internet is a great place to be, it has its drawbacks. It’s full of individuals who are out to steal what they can. Not always on a financial front. Sometimes, it’s identity.
Spam emails are annoying, but they can also be dangerous. Some spam accounts are run by hackers who steal email addresses to flood you with scams, try to steal your personal information, or even break into your online accounts. Let’s break down how spam accounts steal your email address and what you can do to stay safe.
How spam accounts get your email address
Spam accounts don’t just randomly guess email addresses. They use several sneaky tactics to find yours:
- Data breaches
When a website you’ve signed up for gets hacked, your email address (and sometimes passwords) can end up in the hands of spammers. They collect this leaked data from breaches and use it to send spam. - Phishing scams
Some spam emails trick people into providing their email addresses voluntarily. For example, they might claim you’ve won a prize and ask you to “confirm” your email by clicking a link. Once you do, they know it’s an active account. - Web scraping
Spammers use bots to scan websites, social media profiles, or forums for publicly available email addresses. If your email is listed anywhere online, it can be scooped up by these bots. - Fake sign-ups
Sometimes, spammers create fake forms or websites that look legit (e.g., a contest or free product offer) to trick you into entering your email. Once you do, they add it to their spam list. - Buying email lists
Unfortunately, some companies sell your email address to third parties without your permission. These lists often end up in the hands of spammers. - Guessing common email addresses
Spammers also guess simple email addresses using common names and domains like Gmail or Yahoo. For example, they might try “johnsmith@gmail.com” or “janedoe@yahoo.com” to see if they’re active.
What happens when spammers have your email
Once spammers get your email address, here’s what they might do:
- Send you spam: They’ll flood your inbox with junk emails, scams, or fake offers.
- Phishing attacks: They’ll try to trick you into giving up sensitive information like passwords, bank details, or social security numbers.
- Hack your accounts: If they already have your email, and you reuse passwords, they might try logging into your other accounts.
- Sell your email address: Spammers often sell email lists to others, leading to even more spam in your inbox.
How to protect your email from spammers
- Use strong, unique passwords
If a spammer gets your email, having a strong password can stop them from accessing your accounts. Use a password manager to create and store unique passwords for every site. - Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. Even if someone steals your email, they won’t be able to log in without the second factor (like a code sent to your phone). - Avoid sharing your email publicly
Be cautious about posting your email address online, such as in forums or social media profiles. Use private messaging options when possible. - Use a disposable email address
For things like sign-ups or free offers, use a disposable or secondary email address. This keeps your primary inbox spam-free. - Don’t click on links in spam emails
Clicking on spam links can confirm that your email is active and lead to even more spam. If an email looks suspicious, delete it. - Be careful with free Wi-Fi
Hackers can intercept your data on public Wi-Fi networks. Avoid entering your email or other sensitive information while using unsecured networks. - Check for data breaches
Use tools like Have I Been Pwned to see if your email address has been leaked in a breach. If it has, change your passwords immediately. - Report spam emails
Most email services let you mark suspicious emails as spam. This helps your provider filter similar messages in the future. - Don’t fall for phishing scams
Always double-check the sender’s email address and look for signs of fake messages, like poor spelling or odd links. Legitimate companies won’t ask you to confirm sensitive information through email.
What to do if your email is stolen
If you suspect spammers have your email:
- Change your password immediately: Make sure it’s strong and unique.
- Enable 2FA on all accounts: This will secure your accounts even if someone has your email.
- Monitor your accounts for unusual activity: Check for unauthorised logins or changes.
- Use a spam filter: Most email services can block spam before it reaches your inbox.
Spam accounts rely on tricks to steal your email address, but you can stay one step ahead by being cautious and using security best practices. Protect your email, and you’ll avoid a lot of headaches in the long run!
