Unsubscribe: The email you receive asking you to unsubscribe can make you bankrupt, don't make this mistake..

For the last few days, people have been getting emails about unsubscribing. People think that these emails are real, whereas they are fake, and it is part of a scam. If you are also surrounded by emails throughout the day and get disturbed by unwanted emails and repeatedly click on the "Unsubscribe" button, then be alert now. Doing this can cause a cyber attack on you.

What is "Unsubscribe Scam"?

This is a new cyber fraud technique in which fraudsters send you mail in the form of promotional mail or a newsletter, which has an attractive "Unsubscribe" button. As soon as you click on it, you can become a victim of a phishing attack, malware, spyware, or ransomware can be downloaded onto your device, or your email is marked as "active user" and sold on the dark web. According to the DNSFilter report, one out of every 644 emails with “Unsubscribe” links is malicious, and this figure is constantly increasing.

What did the expert say?

When we talked to Vineet Kumar, Founder and Global President, CyberPeace, on this scam, he said, “Every click matters in the digital world, so understanding and vigilance are the biggest security. Recently, it has been seen that many email users are being cheated by scammers on the pretext of the ‘Unsubscribe’ button. On clicking the link given in such an email, a fake page opens, where on logging in, your sensitive information is stolen and it is misused to access your accounts.”

He further said that before clicking on any such link, definitely check the authenticity of the email. If the name of any website or service is given in any email, then instead of clicking on the link in that email, go to the browser yourself and search for that website and check its authenticity.

Report suspicious emails or mark them as spam to avoid such emails in the future. CyberPeace advises to maintain discipline in digital behavior, use multi-factor authentication, and keeping a vigilant eye on every suspicious mail.

How to identify safe and fake unsubscribe links?

Identify safe links: Come from trusted and well-known domains (eg: @zomato.com, @nykaa.com), 'Unsubscribe' option is visible next to the sender's name in Gmail. Do not ask for any personal information when the link is clicked. Takes to a simple confirmation page. The language, design, and branding of the email remain regular.

Identify suspicious links: Come from strange domains (eg: @deals-zomato.ru, @offers-dealz.online). Has very big and flashy "Unsubscribe" buttons. Takes you to login pages, forms, or unknown websites. The language of the mail is broken, and the design is messy. Sometimes, something gets downloaded as soon as the attachment is opened.

How to stay safe?

Use trusted tools: Use Gmail's built-in Unsubscribe button only. A tool like Apple's Hide My Email is also good (read the policies first).

Don't click on unknown emails: If the mail looks unfamiliar, mark it as spam, rather than clicking on Unsubscribe.

Make your account strong: Keep 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) on, limit third-party apps, and keep browsers and apps updated.

Keep your inbox clean: Use a different email for shopping or signups. Keep the main email only for important tasks.

For the last few days, people have been getting emails about unsubscribing. People think that these emails are real, whereas they are fake, and it is part of a scam. If you are also surrounded by emails throughout the day and get disturbed by unwanted emails and repeatedly click on the "Unsubscribe" button, then be alert now. Doing this can cause a cyber attack on you.

What is "Unsubscribe Scam"?

This is a new cyber fraud technique in which fraudsters send you mail in the form of promotional mail or a newsletter, which has an attractive "Unsubscribe" button. As soon as you click on it, you can become a victim of a phishing attack, malware, spyware, or ransomware can be downloaded onto your device, or your email is marked as "active user" and sold on the dark web. According to the DNSFilter report, one out of every 644 emails with “Unsubscribe” links is malicious, and this figure is constantly increasing.

What did the expert say?

When we talked to Vineet Kumar, Founder and Global President, CyberPeace, on this scam, he said, “Every click matters in the digital world, so understanding and vigilance are the biggest security. Recently, it has been seen that many email users are being cheated by scammers on the pretext of the ‘Unsubscribe’ button. On clicking the link given in such an email, a fake page opens, where on logging in, your sensitive information is stolen and it is misused to access your accounts.”

He further said that before clicking on any such link, definitely check the authenticity of the email. If the name of any website or service is given in any email, then instead of clicking on the link in that email, go to the browser yourself and search for that website and check its authenticity.

Report suspicious emails or mark them as spam to avoid such emails in the future. CyberPeace advises to maintain discipline in digital behavior, use multi-factor authentication, and keeping a vigilant eye on every suspicious mail.

How to identify safe and fake unsubscribe links?

Identify safe links: Come from trusted and well-known domains (eg: @zomato.com, @nykaa.com), 'Unsubscribe' option is visible next to the sender's name in Gmail. Do not ask for any personal information when the link is clicked. Takes to a simple confirmation page. The language, design, and branding of the email remain regular.

Identify suspicious links: Come from strange domains (eg: @deals-zomato.ru, @offers-dealz.online). Has very big and flashy "Unsubscribe" buttons. Takes you to login pages, forms, or unknown websites. The language of the mail is broken, and the design is messy. Sometimes, something gets downloaded as soon as the attachment is opened.

How to stay safe?

Use trusted tools: Use Gmail's built-in Unsubscribe button only. A tool like Apple's Hide My Email is also good (read the policies first).

Don't click on unknown emails: If the mail looks unfamiliar, mark it as spam, rather than clicking on Unsubscribe.

Make your account strong: Keep 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) on, limit third-party apps, and keep browsers and apps updated.

Keep your inbox clean: Use a different email for shopping or signups. Keep the main email only for important tasks.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.