Simple Ways to Keep Your Inbox Safe
Most of us have learned to spot junk mail in the letterbox. A strange return address, a too‑good‑to‑be‑true offer, or a message that just feels “off” – our instincts kick in. Email works the same way. The challenge is that online messages arrive faster, look more convincing, and sometimes try harder to trick us.The good news is that you don’t need to be “tech savvy” to stay safe. Many of our members have spent decades solving complex problems – running businesses, repairing machinery, teaching, researching, or managing teams. Those same instincts work beautifully online once you know what to look for.This guide offers simple, practical habits to help you keep your inbox tidy and secure, without stress and without needing to understand the technical side of things.
Why we get unwanted email in the first place
Unwanted messages – often called “junk mail” or “spam” – are sent out in huge batches by automated systems. Some are harmless advertising. Others are attempts to trick you into clicking a link or giving away information. Your email provider already blocks most of these messages automatically. But no filter is perfect, so a few still slip through.
Is it safe to open a suspicious email? Yes – as long as you don’t click anything
This surprises many people. Modern email apps block the tricks that used to reveal whether you opened a message. Simply viewing or previewing an email does not confirm anything to the sender.
Think of it like opening junk mail at home: It’s safe to look – just don’t follow the instructions inside.
The only risky actions are:
- clicking a link
- opening an attachment
- replying to the sender
If you avoid those, you’re safe.
Delete or “Mark as Spam”? What’s the difference?
Both are safe. The difference is simple:
- Delete – tidies your inbox
- Mark as Spam – teaches your email system what you don’t want
Marking a message as spam helps reduce similar messages in the future. Deleting is fine if you’re in a hurry.
How to recognise suspicious messages
You don’t need technical knowledge – just awareness. Common warning signs include –
- unexpected messages about parcels, payments, or accounts
- pressure or urgency (“Your account will be closed today”)
- requests for personal information
- links that look unusual or unfamiliar
- messages that make you feel uneasy or rushed
If something feels wrong, trust your instincts.
What to do when you’re unsure
Here are three simple options
- Ignore it – doing nothing is perfectly safe
- Delete it – quick and clean
- Mark it as spam – helps your email system learn
If the message claims to be from your bank, phone provider, or a government agency, don’t click the link. Instead, go to their official website yourself or call them using a number you trust.
A few examples of common unwanted messages
- “Your parcel is waiting – click here to confirm delivery”
- “Your account has been locked – update your details”
- “You have an unpaid toll”
- “We couldn’t process your payment”
- “Your licence or registration is expiring”
These messages often look convincing, but they’re designed to create urgency. Pause, breathe, and check before acting.
Final thought
Managing unwanted email doesn’t require technical skill – just a calm approach and a few simple habits. You already have the instincts; this guide simply helps you apply them online.
