How to Stop Internet Mail Spam

Email programs have settings that allow users to block spam emails.

Email spam can be a serious problem for web users. Because spam email often includes links and files inside of them that could carry viruses and malware, it is best to stop spam mail that comes to you on the Internet---though it depends on the email service provider you use. Most Internet email providers feature a spam blocker. Some of these blockers are automatic, while others need to be customized or turned on in order to work properly.

Instructions

AOL Webmail

1. Click "Settings" at the top of your AOL Webmail page. A list will open.

2. Click "Spam Settings" from the list. A new window will open.

3. Click the drop-down menu underneath "Spam Filter" and select "Medium."

4. Click the drop-down menu under "Content Filter" and choose "Block mail containing specific words and phrases." Enter the words and phrases you want to block.

5. Click the drop-down menu under "Blocked Mail." Choose the radio button next to either "Permanently delete blocked mail" or "Deliver blocked mail to Spam folder." Click "Save." You have now stopped Internet spam mail in AOL Webmail.

Yahoo!

1. Open your Yahoo! email page.

2. Click "Options" at the top of the page. A list will open.

3. Click "Spam Protection."

4. Select "Turn SpamGuard ON." Click "Save Changes." This will stop spam email from entering your Yahoo! account.

Gmail

1. Sign in to your Gmail account.

2. Click the "Spam" link on the left side of the page.

3. Choose the "Delete All Spam Messages Now" link at the top of the page.

References

• Yahoo!: Prevent Spam
• AOL: Block Spam
• Google: So Much Time, So Little Spam

Resources

• Email Replies: Email Etiquette