Many people try to clean up their inboxes by clicking “unsubscribe” on spam emails. But according to experts, doing this can sometimes be dangerous. Some scammers hide harmful links in unsubscribe buttons to trick users into clicking. This can lead to malware or show hackers that you’re likely to click suspicious links. Experts suggest using safer methods like filtering or blocking senders instead.
Let’s watch the video to learn more about how unsubscribing from emails might not always be safe.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “bane of our existence” mean? “It’s the bane of our email existence.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “tipping off someone” mean? “By trying to unsubscribe, users could be tipping off scammers that they’re likely to click a link…” Give a synonym. Use it in a sentence.
- What does “put a target on their back” mean? “By trying to unsubscribe, users could be tipping off scammers that they’re likely to click a link, putting a target on their back for installing malware and more.” Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What are your thoughts on the risks of clicking “unsubscribe” in spam emails? Have you ever done this?
- Based on the video, why do scammers include fake “unsubscribe” links in their emails, and what should we be careful of when we see these kinds of links?
- Have you or someone you know ever clicked on a suspicious link or been targeted by a phishing email? What happened?
- What steps do you usually take to protect your email inbox from spam or scams?
- Do you think email services are doing enough to filter out dangerous messages? Why or why not?
- Share your thoughts on this: “Clicking unsubscribe might seem harmless, but it could be opening the door to more attacks.”
- Why is media literacy important in today’s digital world, especially when it comes to online scams? What personal steps do you take to help educate your family, friends, or colleagues in spreading awareness and staying safe online?