That 'unsubscribe' button may be a scam
a year ago
- #phishing
- #cybersecurity
- #email-scams
- Online scammers use sophisticated strategies, including deepfakes and AI-generated images, but also rely on simple methods like phishing schemes and fake unsubscription links.
- Most reputable bulk emails include an unsubscribe option, but experts warn that clicking these links can lead to malicious sites, with DNSFilter estimating 1 in 644 unsubscribe links may be harmful.
- Scammers use fake unsubscribe links to confirm active email addresses or steal login credentials, though legitimate businesses won’t ask for passwords via unsubscribe links.
- List-unsubscribe headers, maintained by email providers, offer a safer one-click unsubscribe option within the email client.
- Additional safety tips include marking emails as junk, using dummy email accounts, or utilizing privacy features like Apple’s 'Hide My Email' and similar tools on Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.