How to protect yourself from spam and scams (2026): safety tips & expert advice

In 2024 alone, U.S. consumers lost more than $12.5 billion to fraud, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Falling victim to a scam can mean more than losing money. You could also have your identity stolen, your accounts compromised, or your personal information sold on the dark web.

To lower your risk, it’s important to stay alert and follow proven safety steps. You can protect yourself from spam and scam attempts by learning to spot red flags, using strong security tools, verifying information, and reporting threats before they spread further.

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 scams

To stop spam and scams from negatively impacting your life, it’s important to first understand what they are and how they work.

What is spam?

Spam refers to unwanted messages sent in large numbers through email, texts, or social media. Spam is inconvenient – in 2023, nearly 46.8% of all email traffic worldwide was classified as spam, according to Statista – but it can also be dangerous, as many phishing attacks originate as spam.

You may encounter different types of spam, each serving a different purpose:

• Marketing spam: the most common type of spam, used by businesses to mass-send promotional emails or messages.
• Social media spam: includes fake accounts, suspicious ads, and spammy comments that promote scams or shady offers.
• SMS spam: comes as unwanted texts with promotions or fake alerts from unknown numbers, trying to trick you into clicking a link or replying.
• Robocall spam: automated calls delivering fake offers, threats, or scams, often urging you to share personal or financial information.

What is a scam?

A scam is a scheme meant to cheat people or businesses out of money or personal information. A Pew Research Center survey found that 73% of U.S. adults have experienced an online scam.

Below are some popular types of scams:

• Phishing scams: malicious actors emulate emails or messages from trusted institutions like banks, tricking you into sharing personal details like passwords or bank information.
• Identity theft scams: involve stealing personal details to open credit accounts or make unauthorized purchases.
• Investment scams: fraudsters rope you into fake schemes and promise significant returns that never arrive.
• Fake lottery scams: you’re told you’ve won a prize or jackpot but must pay fees or share personal details to claim it.
• Romance scams: criminals build fake online relationships, then exploit emotional trust to request money or gifts.
• Tech support scams: scammers pose as IT professionals, claiming your device has issues and charging for fake fixes or secretly installing malware.
• AI impersonation scams: cybercriminals use AI-generated voices or deepfakes to impersonate loved ones or company executives and demand urgent payments or sensitive information.

Spam and scams often go hand in hand, as spam is one of the main delivery methods for fraudulent schemes. While spam on its own can be harmless advertising, scammers use the same tactics – mass emails, texts, and social media messages – to target as many people as possible.

Common examples of spam and scams

Understanding real world examples of spam and scams can help you spot them.

One of the most common methods of scamming people is by posing as a trusted brand. You may receive fake SMS or emails containing text such as:

• “Amazon is sending you a refund of $100. Please reply with your bank account and full name to receive your refund.”
• “Bank of America: Your account is temporarily locked. Please log in at to secure your account.”

Fraudsters will also try to bait you with the promise of money, only to collect your personal information or require a “processing fee.” Beware messages such as:

• “Congratulations, ! You’ve won a grand prize of $250,000 in our International Lottery Draw. To claim your prize, reply with “CLAIM” and your full name and address.”
• “Your $50 gift card is here! Your company has given you an employee rewards card. Activate your card today!”

Scam callers create a false sense of urgency to trick you. They may even threaten you with arrest or legal trouble if you don’t provide sensitive information. An excerpt from an example script is as follows:

• “Hi, this is Chris from Microsoft Support. We've detected a critical virus on your computer. To prevent permanent data loss, we need to connect to your computer remotely to fix it. You'll need to provide your account information first.”
• “This is a call from the IRS. There is a problem with your latest tax filing. To prevent legal action, you must verify your financial information. Let’s start with verifying your identity. What is your full name?”

Recognizing scammer tactics is key in avoiding them. The next section will break down signs and behaviors that will help you identify spam and scam messages.

How to recognize spam and scams

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 use email spoofing to mimic real companies. They use 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.
• Suspicious attachment. Scammers often include attachments claiming to be invoices, receipts, or important documents. Opening these files can install malware, ransomware, or spyware on your device, putting your personal data and security at risk. Always double-check and confirm the identity of a sender before opening an attachment.

How to protect yourself from spam and scams

With more spam messages and online scams popping up, it's more important than ever to protect your privacy. By following these anti-scam tips, you can secure your account against spam, secure your email, and safeguard your social media privacy. 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. If you receive an unusual request from a friend or relative through text or email, always call them to verify the authenticity of their message.
• 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.
• Beware of suspicious links and pop-ups. Never click on unexpected pop-ups or banner ads, as they may redirect you to phishing sites or automatically download malware onto your device. Also, it’s best to navigate to websites manually by typing the URL into your browser instead of trusting embedded links.
• Avoid using unsecured public WI-Fi. Public Wi-Fi networks can be easy targets for hackers to intercept your data. If you must use them, enable a trusted VPN to encrypt your IP address, avoid logging into sensitive accounts, and refrain from entering personal or financial information while connected to unsecured networks.

How to protect yourself from spam and scam emails

When it comes to protecting yourself from scam emails, don’t forget to follow these steps:

• Use a strong, unique password. Choose a password that's hard to guess. Avoid common words or simple combinations like "password123." A strong password, especially one generated by a password manager, 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.
• Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. If you receive a call from a number you don’t recognize, let it go to voicemail and review it later. Scammers often use fake or spoofed numbers to trick you into sharing personal information or confirming your identity.
• Use caller ID and spam protection. Enable built-in caller ID features or third-party spam-blocking apps to screen incoming calls. These tools can identify potential scam callers and automatically block known spam numbers, reducing the risk of falling victim to phone scams.

How to protect yourself from spam and scams on social media

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.
• Delete your old accounts. Old or inactive social media accounts can be exploited by scammers to impersonate you or send spam. Deleting accounts you no longer use reduces your digital footprint and limits opportunities to target you.
• Limit the personal information you share online. Avoid posting sensitive details like your phone number, home address, or financial information. Even seemingly harmless posts, such as your birthday or pet names, can be used by fraudsters to guess passwords or craft convincing phishing scams.

How to avoid scam transactions online

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 have filters that automatically block suspicious messages from reaching your inbox. If an email sneaks past the filtering, manually mark it as spam 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

You can also block spam calls on your phone. Both Android and iOS natively provide a spam blocker. Simply open your phone app, tap or hold the number, and select “Block,” “Report spam,” or “Block This Caller.” If you receive spam texts on iPhone or Android, the process of blocking these numbers is the same.

To block spam calls from your home or office phone, consider a service like BT Call Protect. BT automatically identifies and blocks numbers based on its “nuisance list,” then sends blocked calls to a junk voicemail box.

Reverse email lookup

Email lookup tools help you verify whether an email address is real. They let you identify sender details, so you can avoid clicking suspicious links from or replying to unknown email senders. Some services also reveal whether an email is associated with known scams or data breaches.

Below is a list of email lookup apps that will help you verify email addresses:

• Hunter.io
• Findymail
• Apollo Email Finder
• Lemlist

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. Use your operating system’s native anti-virus features, such as Microsoft Defender on Windows or XProtect and Gatekeeper on macOS/iOS, and regularly update your device to ensure maximum protection against malware.

You can also protect your devices with these trusted providers to ensure real-time protection and block dangerous websites:

• Norton
• Bitdefender
• Malwarebytes

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional steps before you can verify your logins. Some apps or websites allow for one-time pins sent to your phone, while others enable the use of an authenticator app. An authenticator app generates time-based, one-time codes when logging into your account.

Some popular authenticator apps include:

• Google Authenticator
• Microsoft Authenticator
• Authy
• LastPass Authenticator

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.

Use an alternative phone 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.

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

2. 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. Note that scammers can keep your phone line open even after you hang up. I recommend using a different phone to report the fraud.

3. 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.

4. 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 yourself from spam and 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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