The internet is a great way to talk to others. We use it for email, messaging, and social media. But it's also used by scammers and hackers. 

These people try to steal your personal details. They may also send harmful software to your computer.

That’s why it’s important to know how to stay safe online. This includes knowing how to deal with spam and phishing.

What is Spam?

Spam is unwanted email. You might also hear it called junk mail. Spam fills your inbox with ads and other useless messages. It makes it hard to find the emails you care about. Some spam can also be dangerous. It may include links that install malware or try to steal your data.

How Spam Filters Work

Most email services use spam filters. These filters check each message to see if it’s real or not. If the email looks like spam, it goes to your spam folder. This helps keep your inbox clean.

But spam filters aren't perfect. Sometimes, real emails end up in the spam folder. It’s a good idea to check your spam folder often. You might find something important in there.

Marking Emails as Spam

You can also mark spam emails yourself. For example, in Gmail, click on the email and choose “Mark as Spam.” This teaches your email service to block similar messages in the future.

Turning Off Email Images

Spam emails often have images that can track you. When you open the email, the image loads, and the spammer knows your email is active. This can lead to more spam.

To stop this, turn off email images. In Gmail, click the gear icon and go to Settings. Choose “Ask before displaying external images.” Then click Save. Now, Gmail will stop images from loading unless you allow them.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a type of scam. These emails try to trick you into sharing private information. A phishing email might say it’s from your bank or another trusted company. It may ask you to click a link or type in a password, credit card number, or birthday. The email may look real, but it’s fake.

Always be careful before clicking on links in emails. If something seems odd, don’t enter your details.

Other Common Email Scams

Some emails may offer you money if you pay a small fee first. Others might pretend to be from someone you know. They may ask for money or tell you to open an attachment. These are tricks. Never send money or open files unless you’re sure it’s safe.

Stay Safe

Spam and scams keep changing, but you can stay safe. Use your best judgment. Be careful with links, attachments, and requests for money or information. By learning how to spot fake emails, you can protect your inbox and your computer.