Ever open your email to find a flood of unsolicited messages offering you the next ‘big’ thing or claiming you have won an unexpected prize? That is spam clogging your inbox, and it can feel like a never-ending wave.
However, here is the good news: you do not have to put up with it. In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about spam – what it is, how to spot it, and what you can do to avoid it.
What is Spam?
Spam refers to the act of sending unsolicited communications in large quantities. It is most commonly associated with emails but can also be spread through text messages (SMS), social media platforms, or phone calls. The content of spam messages can range from harmless yet bothersome promotional emails to more sinister and deceptive scams.
It is essential to differentiate between the concept of spam and spamming itself. Spam is the general term used to describe unsolicited bulk messages, while spamming refers to the specific act of sending these messages. The individuals responsible for sending such messages are commonly known as spammers.
8 Common Types of Spam
Spam comes in all sorts of annoying forms on the internet, from pesky emails to excessive links cluttering social media comments. Here are the main types of online spam you will find online:
1. Social Media Spam
Spammers take advantage of the rising popularity of social media platforms to spread their unwanted content using automated bots and shady accounts. Most of the spam on social media have links to commercial pages to boost a spammer’s website traffic or revenue.
2. Spam Emails
Spam emails are one of the most common types of spam you will come across online. They flood your inbox and divert your attention from the emails you genuinely want to read. Luckily, most email clients have options for reporting, filtering, and blocking spam emails.
3. Tech Support Scams
Tech support scams typically start with a phone call, with scammers pretending to be IT professionals from legitimate companies. They will manipulate you into believing your computer has issues, and offer to fix it if you grant them remote access.
4. Malspam
Malspam is essentially spam that carries malware. It often enters your computer or mobile device through spam text messages or emails. This dangerous spam can carry various forms of malware, ranging from ransomware and trojans to spyware.
5. Spam Calls and Spam Texts
Certain spammers resort to sending text messages (SMS), push notifications, or making phone calls to grab your attention. Spam messages are also rampant on instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Skype, and Snapchat, bombarding you with unsolicited content.
6. Current Event Scams
Spammers often exploit hot topics in the news to grab your attention. For instance, during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, with the surge in work-from-home opportunities, some scammers sent spam messages luring people with promises of remote jobs paid in Bitcoin.
7. SEO Spam
SEO spam, or “spamdexing,” involves manipulating SEO techniques to boost a spammer’s website ranking. It comes in two forms:
- Content spam: Pages stuffed with popular keywords to improve rankings in search results.
- Link spam: The use of irrelevant links to drive traffic to their page.
8. Advance-Fee Scams
Also referred to as “Nigerian prince” emails, this type of spam promises a financial reward but asks for a cash advance upfront, calling it a processing fee or earnest money. Once paid, the sender vanishes, and the promised reward never comes.
How to Identify Spam
Here are some effective tips to spot spam, whether it reaches you by phone, email, or social media:
- Be cautious of unsolicited emails from unfamiliar senders, especially those with generic greetings and poor grammar, as they may be email spam.
- Treat any unexpected phone calls claiming to be tech support or offering remote jobs with suspicion, as they could be tech support scams or spam messages.
- Stay skeptical of messages related to current events, promising financial rewards or fundraising opportunities, as they might be current events scams.
- Beware of web pages with excessive keywords or irrelevant links, as they could be SEO spam.
- Exercise caution when receiving emails promising financial rewards in exchange for upfront cash payments, as they could be “Nigerian prince” scams.
- Watch out for unsolicited messages, friend requests, or posts with suspicious links or content on social media.
- Steer clear of suspicious links and attachments sent; always verify the sender’s identity before opening them.
- Do not fall for text messages and calls that offer prizes, loans, or urgent requests for personal information.
How to Stop Spam
Here are some easy ways to prevent spam:
- Use a Spam Filter: Enable spam filters on your email accounts to automatically identify and divert spam emails to a separate folder. This helps reduce clutter in your inbox and keeps potentially harmful content at bay.
- Be Cautious of Sharing Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal information on unfamiliar websites, social media platforms, or with unknown individuals. Spammers often use such data to target you with tailored spam messages.
- Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Refrain from clicking on links or downloading attachments from unsolicited messages, as they may lead to malicious websites or infect your device with malware.
- Be Selective with Email Subscriptions: Be cautious when subscribing to newsletters or services online, as your email address may be sold to spammers. Opt for reputable sources and unsubscribe from any unwanted subscriptions.
- Use Security Software: Always use reliable antivirus and other security software to protect your devices from spam, malware, and other online threats. Do not forget to keep them up-to-date.
- Do Not Respond to Spam: You are better off not replying to spam emails or engaging with spam messages on social media. Responding can indicate that your email address is active, leading to more spam.
- Verify Sources of Communication: Before acting on requests for personal information or financial transactions, make sure to verify the identity of the sender through trusted channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between spamming and phishing?
Spamming involves the mass distribution of unsolicited and often repetitive messages, such as emails, social media posts, or text messages, for promotional purposes to a wide audience, regardless of their consent or interest. It can range from harmless advertisements to potential scams or unwanted content, causing annoyance and potential harm to recipients.
On the other hand, phishing is a targeted form of cyber attack that aims to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information like login credentials. Attackers typically impersonate trusted entities, like banks or social media platforms, by sending deceptive emails or creating fake websites.
Unsuspecting victims are enticed to click on malicious links or provide their confidential information, leading to identity theft, financial fraud, etc.
Is spam a cyber crime?
While spamming can be unethical and disruptive, it may not always be classified as a cyber crime per se. However, certain forms of spamming that involve phishing attempts, the dissemination of malicious content, or fraudulent activities can indeed be considered cyber crimes and may be subject to legal action.
Is spam a virus?
No, spam is not a virus. It refers to unsolicited and unwanted bulk messages. While some spam may contain malware or harmful links, spam itself is not a virus
