How Can I Block Anonymous Bulk Email?

There aren't any foolproof ways to block anonymous bulk email. Since you don't know where the email is coming from in advance, you may find preparing for it difficult. Among the most reliable solutions, however, are email spam filters and the use of secondary email accounts for forums, polls, and newsletter signups. Additionally, you can report this type of email to your service provider in an effort to put a stop to it.

One way to block anonymous bulk email is to use a spam filter. This type of program works to identify email addresses that are likely to involve spam, which is another name for unsolicited bulk email, and sends all the email from these addresses to a folder that serves as a catchall for junk email. Many paid-email accounts include spam filters you can configure for this purpose, and some of the free accounts offer filtering as well.

The problem with spam filters is that they are not 100-percent effective, and spam can sometimes sneak through. Another issue is the fact that they sometimes filter messages that are not really anonymous bulk email. You can usually solve this problem fairly easily, however, by checking your junk mail folder periodically to ensure that none of the email you actually want ends up in there. You can also add email addresses to your recognized contact list so that they won't end up in the junk mail folder next time. Some of these filters also ensure that you have total control of the email that does end up in the junk mail folder, which means you can delete it as needed or restore it to your regular email inbox.

Since it is difficult to completely block anonymous bulk email, some people try to avoid getting this type of email in the first place. This means, they may only give their email addresses to trusted individuals and businesses that have pledged not to share them. Then, they create secondary accounts with free email services and use them when completing online forms, polls, and questionnaires. Essentially, you can use this email address whenever you are unsure of the requester's intentions. If this works as it should, unwanted bulk emails will go to this secondary email account and the email you want will go to your private account.

If you receive anonymous bulk email, you may feel tempted to email the sender and ask him to remove you from his list. In some of these emails, you might even find a link for such requests. Usually, however, responding to spam emails in any way is a risk, as the sender may take this as encouragement to keep emailing you. Instead, you usually will be better served by emailing your service provider to complain about the unsolicited email.