Is it safe to click unsubscribe in spam?

Concerns & risks

You were trying to clean up your inbox, and a spam email has a big 'Unsubscribe' button at the bottom.

Some unsubscribe links are traps.

Causes & evidence

For legit senders, unsubscribe is fine. For suspicious spam, mark it as spam instead. See phishing.

What to do

1. Use unsubscribe for companies you know.
2. Mark obvious spam as spam.
3. Don't click links in suspicious emails.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: clicking unsubscribe in emails from unknown or suspicious senders, which can confirm your address is active. Use your email app's built-in unsubscribe option where available. Report spam to train filters. Use a separate email for shopping signups. For newsletters from companies you knowingly signed up with, unsubscribe links are generally fine. The risk is with junk from strangers. When in doubt, mark as spam and let filters handle it. Avoid replying to spam emails, even to say stop.

Speed Man tip: Filters learn from spam reports.

Wrap-up: Known sender: unsubscribe. Spam: report. Avoid shady links.