keeping your email address safe

With so many techniques for gathering email addresses, it’s unlikely you’ll ever be able to cut spam out altogether. But there are measures you can take, to minimise the chances of spammers getting hold of your email address. Here are just a few.

  • Only give your email address to people you know and trust.
  • Try setting up a separate email account to use when shopping online or registering with websites or forums.
  • If a web site asks for your email address, read their terms of use and privacy policy so you know how they’ll use it.
  • Keep an eye out for a check box which lets you opt-out of future marketing messages.
  • Never respond to a spam email, as this will let spammers know you’re there – delete it immediately instead.
  • Don’t advertise your email address by posting it on your personal site, forums or chat rooms – spammers are constantly trawling the internet on the look out for exactly that.

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where to next?

For details on access to official information, and how to protect personal information, visit the Information Commissioner’s office.

For information on how to activate a fraud alert, click here.

For general tips on internet safety click here.

Information Commissioner’s office

Information on how to activate a fraud alert

General tips on internet safety