How to protect yourself from spam and scam

Spam is unwanted messages sent in large numbers through email, text, or social media, usually promotional but not always dangerous. On the other hand, a scam is a fraudulent scheme to steal money, personal information, or access to your accounts.

Spam and scams can have severe consequences. Spam can clutter your inbox and be an easy gateway to scams like phishing or viruses. Scams are far worse – they can cause financial loss, identity theft, and privacy breaches. Companies may experience data breaches, lose customer trust, and suffer financial losses.

In this article, I dive into everything you need to know about spam and scams in 2025. Learn to tell the difference between harmless ads, spam, and dangerous scams to protect your data.

Understanding spam and scam

To effectively secure your digital life from scams and spam, you must first understand them. Spam refers to unwanted messages sent in large numbers through email, texts, or social media.

There are different types of spam, each created for a different purpose. Marketing spam is the most common – businesses mass-send promotional emails or messages to reach more people. It's annoying but not necessarily harmful. Social media spam includes fake accounts, suspicious ads, and spammy comments that promote scams or shady offers.

Then there's SMS spam, which comes as unwanted texts with promotions or fake alerts from unknown numbers, trying to trick you into clicking a link or replying.

A scam is a scheme meant to cheat people or businesses out of money or personal information. Phishing scams are a common threat: they emulate emails or messages from trusted institutions like banks, tricking you into sharing personal details like passwords or bank info. Some scams also hide malware links that, when clicked, can infect your device and put your data at risk, leading to identity theft.

Identity theft scams involve stealing personal details to open credit accounts or make unauthorized purchases. Investment fraud is also common, where fraudsters promise significant returns in fake schemes.

Other examples of scams include fake lottery winnings, romance scams targeting dating site users, and tech support scams, where scammers pretend to be from trusted companies, alerting users to fake threats and tricking them into clicking malware links. Staying informed is the best way to protect yourself from these threats.

How to recognize spam and scam

Knowing how to recognize spam and scams can protect you from losing personal information or falling victim to online fraud. Scammers use social engineering to make you click suspicious links or share sensitive details, which can lead to identity theft or financial loss. Here's how to tell the difference and stay safe.

Signs of spam

First, always stay aware and alert to all emails, even when they come from a reputable and trusted contact. Here are the main aspects to look out for:

• Generic greetings. Instead of using your actual name, spam messages start with vague phrases like "Dear Customer" or "Hello Friend," which are meant to cast a wide net. They simply don’t have access to your personal information.
• Grammar and spelling errors. It’s common for spam to be poorly formatted and not proofread. Casual users tend to miss a misspelled word or a missed comma but try to always pay attention to obvious mistakes in the email subject line.
• Personal info requests. Spam emails try to get as much information as possible to keep pushing products, services, or scams. Before clicking any link or replying to an email, verify that you trust the sender and that the address is not fake.

How to spot a scam

Spotting a scam is an even more critical skill than sorting spam. I listed five key signs to always keep in mind when surfing the internet:

• Unrealistic promises. Scammers offer guaranteed high returns on investments or easy money with little effort, which is always a red flag. Messages that claim you've won a huge prize or offer an exclusive deal are designed to tempt you into clicking a malicious link.
• Unsolicited offers. Receiving an offer out of the blue for something you didn't sign up for, like a loan or contest, is usually a scam.
• Threats and pressure. Scammers may warn you of urgent consequences, such as account suspension or legal action, to scare you into acting fast.
• Fake email addresses. Some scam emails mimic real companies by using addresses that look almost right, like [email protected] (notice the number 1 instead of "l").
• Deceptive links. Hovering over a link (without clicking) will show the real URL. If it doesn't match what's shown, it's likely a scam. These often lead to dangerous websites that can steal your data or install harmful software on your device.

Tools to stay safe

With spam and scams in mind, I’ve compiled a list of top tools to spot malicious or annoying emails and remove risks as soon as they appear in your inbox:

• Spam filters. Most email providers have filters that automatically block suspicious messages from reaching your inbox.
• Anti-phishing tools. Security software or browser extensions can spot phishing signs and warn you before you click harmful links.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA). Adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second step, like a code sent to your phone, to log into your accounts.
• Reverse email lookup. Use online tools to check unfamiliar email addresses and see if others have reported them as scams.

How to protect yourself from spam and scam

With more spam messages and online scams popping up, it's more important than ever to protect your personal and financial information. By following these anti-scam tips, you can secure your account against spam, secure your email, and safeguard your social media privacy. It's all about being cautious and using healthy online shopping habits. These small steps can go a long way in preventing identity theft, phishing, and financial fraud.

Here are some non-negotiable safety tips:

• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages. Scammers often send fake emails or texts with dangerous links. If you get an unexpected message, don't click on any links.
• Be cautious about sharing personal information. Never give out sensitive details like passwords, credit card numbers, or bank information to unknown people or unverified websites.
• Verify suspicious communications. Have you received an email or call claiming to be from your bank or a government agency? Always reach out to them through their official contacts to confirm.
• Keep software and accounts updated. Regularly update your phone, computer, and security settings on social media and email. This helps protect you from scammers who try to find weaknesses.

When it comes to email specifically, don’t forget to:

• Use a strong, unique password. Choose a password that's hard to guess. Avoid common words or simple combinations like "password123." A strong password reduces the risk of your account getting hacked. For even better security, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), which adds an extra step to verify it's really you.
• Turn on spam filters. Most email providers have built-in spam filters to block suspicious messages. If you still get spam, don't just delete it – mark it as spam. This helps improve the filter and keeps your inbox cleaner.
• Watch out for fake email addresses. Scammers often use email addresses that look real at first glance but have minor misspellings or extra characters. Always double-check the sender's address before clicking any links or replying.

Social media scams are as commonplace as email. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Adjust your privacy settings. Take control of who can see your posts and send you messages by adjusting your privacy settings. Most social media platforms let you choose whether your content is visible to everyone, just friends, or a custom group. Keeping your profile private helps reduce the chances of being targeted by spammers or scammers.
• Don't accept friend requests from strangers. It's best to ignore friend requests from people you don't know. Scammers often create fake profiles to trick you into sharing personal details or clicking harmful links. If a profile looks suspicious or too good to be true, trust your instincts and avoid accepting the request.
• Be careful with giveaway scams. If you come across a post or message claiming you've won a prize but asking for personal information or payment to claim it, it's probably a scam. Legitimate giveaways won't ask for sensitive details like your bank account or password.

Scam online transactions are more dangerous than other types of scams as they lead directly to your financial info. Here’s how to secure your shopping experience:

• Use trusted websites for purchases. Always shop on websites with "https" in the URL and a padlock symbol next to it. These indicate a secure connection that protects your data. Be cautious of unfamiliar sites, especially if they don't have these security features.
• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. If a website is offering luxury items like designer bags or high-end electronics at unbelievably low prices, it's likely a scam. Stick to well-known online stores or verified sellers to avoid losing money.
• Use secure payment methods. When paying online, use secure options like credit cards or reputable payment services such as PayPal. These methods offer better protection compared to direct bank transfers.

Tools and resources for protection

Spam emails, scam calls, and online threats are everywhere. Without the right tools, your personal information could end up in the wrong hands. However, with spam filters, anti-virus software, and scam-blocking tools, you can avoid most online threats. Here are some easy ways to block spam calls, stop scams, and keep your devices secure.

Spam filters

Most email providers enable spam filters to secure your account and avoid cluttering your inbox. You can turn on extra spam protection in your email settings to catch more junk. If spam sneaks into your inbox, mark it so your email service learns to block similar messages.

Here are a few email service providers with strong spam filters I recommend:

• Gmail
• Outlook
• Yahoo Mail
• Proton Mail
• Spamfighter

Anti-virus and anti-malware software

A reliable anti-virus app is a must-have in 2025. A good anti-virus program helps stop malware, phishing scams, and hackers from getting into your device. Keep your security software updated so it can catch new threats. Protect your devices with these trusted providers to ensure real-time protection and block dangerous websites:

• Norton
• Bitdefender
• Malwarebytes

Reporting and blocking scams

If you manage to spot and avoid a scam, don’t stop there and help others. If you get a scam email or message:

• Report it to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) for fraud and consumer protection and the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) to fight phishing scams.
• Use call-blocking apps like Truecaller or Hiya to block repeating spam calls and robocalls.
• Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry to stop telemarketers from bugging you.

Alternative Number

In 2024 alone, over 2 billion users were victims of attempted identity theft or fraud, with their personal information at risk or compromised, Identity Theft Resource Center reports. 68% of these breaches were caused by human error, like falling for a phishing scam, spam, or social engineering. With so much information, such as your phone number, used and then maliciously shared online, you can also become the victim.

To take your online security to the next level, consider a preventative approach like concealing your true identity. For example, Surfshark's Alternative Number helps protect your identity by creating a fake number and personal details for online sign-ups.

This keeps your real info private, reducing spam and preventing scammers from targeting you. This is one of the most reliable ways to avoid identity fraud and reduce frustrating spam emails to a minimum.

Get Alternative Number

What to do if you fall victim to a scam

Getting scammed can feel overwhelming, but acting fast can help limit the damage. Whether it's a phishing email, a fake online sale, or someone stealing your personal details, here's what to do after a scam.

First, change your passwords right away, especially for any accounts linked to the scam. Use strong, unique passwords and turn on two-factor authentication for extra security.

Call your bank immediately if you have given out your bank or credit card details. They can help you freeze your account, cancel your card, or dispute unauthorized charges.

Next, report the scam. Let the platform know if it happened through email or social media (e.g., Gmail, Facebook). If money was involved, report fraud to your bank, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or local authorities.

Keep an eye on your bank statements and online accounts for anything suspicious. If someone has your personal details, you should freeze your credit with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to stop them from opening accounts in your name.

For extra safety, consider using an identity theft protection service like LifeLock or IdentityForce to alert you if your personal info is being misused. Getting scammed is frustrating, but taking these steps can help you recover and stay safe in the future. Always double-check before sharing personal or financial information online.

Conclusion

Spam and scams are everywhere, from emails and text messages to social media and phone calls. While spam is mostly annoying, scams can be dangerous, leading to financial loss, identity theft, or stolen personal information. That's why it's so important to stay safe online, be alert, and know how to spot the warning signs.

The best way to protect against scams is to think before you click, avoid sharing personal details with unknown sources, and use security tools like spam filters and two-factor authentication. Services like Surfshark's Alternative Number can also help by generating fake names, emails, and phone numbers to protect your real identity when signing up for websites or services. Always verify emails, messages, or calls that ask for sensitive information, and never trust offers that seem too good to be true.

Education is key – the more you know, the safer you are. Stay updated on the latest scam tactics and share what you learn with friends and family so they don't fall victim to fraud. You can avoid fraud and keep your personal and financial information safe by staying aware and taking simple precautions.

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