Stop spam: how to clean up your inbox

Every morning the same routine: you open your inbox and start deleting dozens of emails you didn't ask for. Ads for products you don't want, offers from webshops where you once ordered something, newsletters you don't remember signing up for. It's a daily waste of time.

With a few targeted actions, you can drastically reduce the volume. Not to zero, but to a manageable level.

Why do you get so much spam?

Over the years, your email address has ended up in all sorts of places: webshop orders, online registrations, giveaways. Some companies sell or share those addresses with third parties. On top of that, there are data breaches: large databases of email addresses that are traded online.

Step 1: Unsubscribe from unwanted newsletters

The most effective first step. Every legitimate newsletter has an unsubscribe link at the bottom. Take fifteen minutes and unsubscribe from all newsletters you haven't opened in the past month. You'll notice the difference within a week.

Be careful: don't use the unsubscribe link in real spam from unknown senders. That could actually confirm your address is active, leading to more spam. When in doubt: mark as spam and delete.

Step 2: Activate and train the spam filter in Gmail

Gmail has a powerful spam filter. See spam in your inbox? Click Report spam (the exclamation mark icon). Gmail learns from your actions. Want to permanently block a sender? Open the email, click the three dots, and choose "Block sender." Google explains the spam settings here.

Step 3: Set up the spam filter in Outlook

Right-click on an unwanted email and choose Junk, Block Sender. Or go to Home, Junk, Junk E-Mail Options to set your filter level. Microsoft has a comprehensive page about spam in Outlook.

Step 4: Use a separate email address for registrations

The best prevention: keep your main email address clean by only using it for personal contact. Create a second, free address (a Gmail or Outlook.com address) for webshops, online registrations, giveaways, and newsletters. All spam goes to that address -- your real inbox stays clean.

Spam vs. phishing: know the difference

Spam is annoying but generally not dangerous: it's unwanted advertising. Phishing is dangerous: emails that impersonate trusted organizations to steal your information. If an email insists on urgent action, asks for personal information, or contains a suspicious link, it's probably phishing.

Inbox full of spam? We'll clean up and set up filters

Call us and a specialist will clean up your inbox remotely: we unsubscribe you from unwanted newsletters, set your spam filters to optimal settings, and block persistent senders.

Inbox overflowing with spam? Call +31 10 268 7172 and we'll clean up and set up filters [link to /remote-help]

Frequently asked questions

Can I completely prevent spam?

Unfortunately not entirely. Once your email address is on the internet, it can end up on spam lists. What you can do is significantly reduce the volume with good filters, unsubscribe actions, and a separate registration email address.

Is it safe to click "unsubscribe" in a spam email?

With legitimate newsletters from known companies: yes. With real spam from unknown senders: better not. The unsubscribe link can confirm your address is active. When in doubt: mark as spam and delete.

Why does spam still end up in my inbox sometimes?

Spam filters are good but not perfect. Spammers constantly adapt their techniques. By consistently reporting spam (not just deleting it), you train the filter better.

Can I report spam to an authority?

Yes. You can report spam to consumer protection authorities if it involves unsolicited commercial email. For phishing or fraud, report it to the fraud helpdesk.

Does changing my email address help?

Drastic but effective, though it causes a lot of hassle. A separate registration email address is a better solution: you keep your current address but direct all future junk to the new address.