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Why did I start getting a sudden surge of spam and phishing emails?

Do you have a lot of spam emails coming in? Spam emails are unsolicited emails that are sent to many people, often with the intent of promoting a product or service, or tricking the recipient into giving away personal information. Not only are spam emails annoying, but they can also be a potential security threat. Some 320 billion spam emails are sent every day, and 94% of malware is delivered via email.

In this article, you’ll find out why you suddenly get a lot of spam messages. You might also wonder if your device is still safe if you receive spam emails, and we’ll explain how to fight spam and keep your inbox safe with Bitdefender Antispam.

Why am I getting so many spam emails?

There are multiple reasons why you might start receiving a lot of spam emails. Some common causes include:

  • Your email address has been added to a mailing list: One of the most common reasons for an increase in spam emails is that you may have been added to a mailing list. Mailing lists are collections of email addresses that are used to send out newsletters, promotional emails, and other marketing materials. Sometimes, these mailing lists are created without your knowledge or consent, and your email address is added to them without your permission.
  • You clicked on a spam email: If you clicked on a spam email, even if it was by accident, you may have inadvertently confirmed to the sender that your email address is active, which can result in more spam being sent to you.
  • Your email address has been shared publicly, leaked, or sold: When you sign up for a service or make a purchase online, you are often required to provide an email address. This email address may be collected and sold to third-party marketers who use it to send out spam emails.
  • Weak spam filters: Finally, it is possible that your email provider’s spam filters are not strong enough to detect all the spam emails that are being sent to your inbox. Spam filters are designed to block unsolicited emails, but they are not perfect. Some spam messages may not be caught and end up in your inbox.

Is my device still protected if I get spam emails?

Receiving spam emails does not necessarily mean that your device is not protected. However, some spam emails may contain malicious links or attachments that can infect your device with malware or viruses, compromising its security. Therefore, it’s important to have a Bitdefender security solution installed on your device to help detect and prevent any potential security threats. Check out these articles for additional resources:

How to install Bitdefender on Windows  |  on Mac  |  on Android  |  on iOS

Additionally, make sure to keep your device’s operating system and software up to date, as these updates often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities.

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