What is Spam Email? What happens when you reply

What is Spam Email?

Spam emails are bulk-sent junk messages with malicious intent, aiming to steal personal information or bank account details. Now what if you replied to them?

In his uproariously funny TED Talk titled “This is What Happens When You Reply to a Spam Email,” British comedian James Veitch turned the mundane act of handling email scams into a source of entertainment. Veitch’s unique take on combating scammers using humor and wit not only keeps us laughing but also imparts valuable lessons about online security. 

In this blog, we’ll dive into James Veitch’s viral TED Talk and explore the hilarity and insights that make it a must-watch.

Should you reply to spam texts?

The TED Talk begins with James Veitch recounting an email he received from a particularly absurd spammer. Instead of deleting it, he decides to embark on a whimsical journey of replying to the spam email, playing along with the scammer’s absurd requests and questions. The humor shines brilliantly in the exchange where someone calls the scammer their ‘golden nugget’ and playfully insists on using ‘Gummy Bear’ as a code word for a lawyer in their communications.

The Power of Laughter

James Veitch’s TED Talk stands out for transforming a typically frustrating, negative experience into a laughter-filled adventure. It’s a reminder that humor can be a potent tool for combating online scams and diffusing uncomfortable situations. Laughter is not only cathartic but also a way to regain a sense of control when dealing with scammers.

The Lesson in Security

James Veitch’s TED Talk carries an essential message about online security. He uses an anonymous email address (very important). While he humorously interacts with the scammer, he also exposes the absurdity of the scam itself. He is not malicious or mean to the scammer, but rather, his goal is to waste their time. 

The talk serves as a reminder that, in the real world, engaging with scammers is never a good idea. Veitch’s humorous approach highlights the crucial need for vigilance against email scams, phishing, and online fraud, without undermining the seriousness of cybersecurity.

How to Prevent Spam Emails 

1. Mark as Spam: Don’t delete a spam email that evades your filter; instead, mark it as spam. By doing this, any future emails form this address will automatically go to your spam folder. 
2. Delete the Email: After marking an email as spam, delete it to avoid the temptation of clicking or downloading anything from it.
3. Unsubscribe from Email Lists: Using your email less and subscribing to fewer services reduces your exposure to spammers.
4. Change your Email Address: If the spam continues, your email may have been exposed in a data breach. You can set up a forwarding address to still receive emails from your old address. 

James Veitch’s TED Talk, “This is What Happens When You Reply to a Spam Email,” is a captivating blend of comedy and awareness. Veitch uses humor to expose email scams, showing laughter as powerful tool against internet fraudsters. Beyond the laughter, his talk encourages us to stay informed about online security and approach email scams with caution. When you get a spam email, think of James Veitch and safely dance with absurdity.

Categorised in: Online Privacy

This post was written by Adrian Yang