How To Recognize Spam Email

Since the advent of email, end-users have struggled with a variety of issues, ranging from connectivity to software updates. But nothing is more irritating and harmful than spam messages, a staple issue plaguing almost every email user on the planet. SilverServers is a provider of Canadian-based domain email hosting from their data center in Kamloops, BC, and today, they’ll be giving you 5 ways to recognize spam.

What Is Spam Email?

Spam email is defined as unsolicited and bulk email where the permission for the message to be sent was not given. The most egregious examples, and most common, are scams, pornography, begging, irrelevant content, or advertisements. Now, it is important to say that the issue with spam is not the content but consent to receive the message. If permission is not expressly given, the message is considered spam, regardless of its content.

Here are 5 ways to detect spam:

Sent from a Public Domain

Public email domains, such as @gmail, @yahoo, and @hotmail, are examples of free email services. Most organizations, except for some small operations, will use their own email domain, which will often have the organization’s name or recognizable branding in it. Consider this, look at the email address, not just the sender, and compare the email address and sender to the name of the organization. Not all email from these free domains is spam, but the majority of spam comes from these domains.

Domain Name is Incorrectly Spelled

Another tactic used by spammers (people who send spam email) is to use a look-a-like domain name that is a misspelling, or commonly mistaken name for a legitimate source. An example might be using SliverServers (S-L-I-V-E-R) instead of SilverServers (S-I-L-V-E-R). At first glance and without a careful look, the misspelling could fool the user. Consider this, verify the sender, verify the email address, and compare to previous correspondence.

Poorly Written Email

Poor spelling and grammar are often indicators of a spam email. Scams originate locally and abroad, but a poorly edited email can be an indicator that the email was sent from a foreign source. Not all spelling and grammar mistakes indicate a potential scam but should act as a flag to begin questioning the legitimacy of an email - when combined with other red flags.

Suspicious Attachments and Links

Spam emails often carry a link or attachment that the spammer will want you to click or download. These links and attachments may contain downloaders or websites meant to steal your information and infect your computer with malware. Be wary of unsolicited links and attachments. Verify the name of the attachment. Verify the sender's name. And verify the email address prior to clicking on anything unexpected or unwarranted.

Urgency

Generally, an email is used when urgency is not needed. Spam email often portrays a sense of urgency in the message, meant to prevent you from doing any of the checks and balances listed above. When in doubt, double-check using the tips we’ve listed here, and question the urgency of the message.

Contact Professionals

If ever in question, reach out to your email service professionals. If you are in Canada, let us be your email hosting provider and we will be happy to review messages you are questioning. Learn more about our email services and contact us today!

For more related content, head over to the email support and tips section of our blog!