Think Before You Click: The Safer Way to Unsubscribe from Emails
We’ve all been there, your inbox is packed with emails you didn’t ask for, and at the bottom of each one is that tempting little link: Unsubscribe. It seems like a quick fix, but did you know that clicking the wrong one could open the door to cybercriminals?
Wait, the unsubscribe link is dangerous?
Not always- but sometimes, yes. Cybercriminals have started using fake unsubscribe links in phishing emails to trick people into clicking. Instead of removing you from a list, these links might:
Install malware on your device
Lead to fake websites designed to steal your personal info
Confirm to scammers that your email is active, resulting in even more spam
So what can you do to stay safe while clearing out your inbox? Here are some smart, safe ways to manage those unwanted emails.
Safe Ways to Unsubscribe
1. Use Your Email Provider’s Built-In Tools
Services like Gmail and Outlook often have a built-in “unsubscribe” option near the top of the message. These tools are safer than clicking links inside the email because they’re managed by your email provider- not the sender.
2. Mark It as Spam Instead
If you don’t recognize the sender or didn’t sign up for the emails, don’t bother unsubscribing. Just mark the message as spam or junk. This not only helps you but also improves spam filtering for everyone else.
3. Review and Clean Up Your Subscriptions
Sites like Unroll.me or your email client’s subscription management tools can help you unsubscribe from multiple emails at once. Just be careful to pick reputable tools and never give away your login credentials unless you’re 100% sure it’s secure.
4. Don’t Click If the Email Looks Suspicious
If the email has typos, weird formatting, a sketchy sender address, or looks just plain off—don’t click anything. That includes unsubscribe links. Delete it or mark it as spam.
5. Be Proactive With Signups
To avoid email overload in the future, think twice before entering your email online. Uncheck boxes that sign you up for newsletters, and use a secondary email for non-essential accounts or shopping sites.
When in Doubt, Ask for Help
At Summit Business Technologies, we help our clients stay cyber safe every day- and sometimes that includes helping you clean out a cluttered inbox. If you’re not sure whether an email is legit or want to better protect your organization from phishing threats, we’re here to help.
Remember: It’s not about being paranoid. It’s about being prepared.
