What Is Spam and How to Stop It?
Author: Trend Micro
This article is from Trend Micro
If you’ve owned a computer, phone, or other internet-connected devices, you have definitely come across spam before. It can come in many forms — some more malicious than others — but it is never welcome. If you’re looking for the low-down on spam and to learn how to block it, keep on reading!
What Is Spam?
Spam is annoying, unsolicited digital messages. It is almost always sent out in large volumes to lots of people, typically to advertise a product, service, or website, or spread malicious software or phishing scams.
Spam is spread in a variety of ways, including emails, text messages, phone calls, and social media messages or posts
Spam Examples and Dangers
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’ll know that we post a lot about phishing scams. Nowadays, a large amount of spam is phishing scams. Below are some examples.
Netflix text message spam. Source
USPS text message spam. Source
Walmart email spam. Source
The spam examples above, like many spam messages these days are both annoying and malicious, and for many people, it’s not uncommon to receive tens, or even hundreds of similar messages every week.
The fact that they fill your inbox with junk aside, these messages could also cause some serious harm. One thing all the above examples have in common is that they are designed to trick people into inadvertently sharing their personal and/or financial information.
People have been tricked into sharing all kinds of important information with scammers and spammers, including their name, address, Social Security number, bank account number, and more. If the bad guys get ahold of enough of your information, they can potentially do any of the following:
- Take out new credit cards under your name.
- Steal your tax refund.
- Take out money from your banking or investment accounts.
- Open new utility or telecom accounts under your name.
- Get medical treatment under your name.
- Post your information on the internet/dark web.
How to Block Spam Calls and Texts
Trend Micro Check blocks spam texts and phone calls so you’re never bothered by the spammers again. The app — which is 100% free — can stop spam text messages sent to your phone number, as well as any messages sent to your messaging apps. Whether you use WhatsApp, Telegram, Tinder, or anything else, you’ll never see another annoying message again.
Trend Micro Check can help you avoid spam calls, too. You’ll receive an alert any time a telemarketer, robocaller, scammer, or spammer dials your number, so you know not to pick up.
Download Trend Micro Check today and defeat the spammers and scammers once and for all!
Source: Unsplash.com
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