Be Careful About The ‘Unsubscribe’ Gmail Scam: What Is It And Why It Can Be Dangerous? | Tech News

Last Updated:June 19, 2025, 09:59 IST

Gmail added the unsubscribe button to block spam mails from crowding your inbox but hackers are now using this tool to their advantage and it is worrying.

Gmail users got a useful tool to stop receiving spam mails but hackers are now spoofing it

Gmail introduced a new way to stop the annoying spam mails from reaching your inbox. The unsubscribe button has been added so that you can tell the sender about having no interest in getting their mails. But it seems the same unsubscribe option has become a weapon used by hackers to scam the innocent.

Gmail users are being warned about the new attack that can look harmless but it has the potential to steal your data and remotely allow these bad actors to control your devices. 

Gmail Unsubscribe Scam: How It Works 

Most of the promotional or brand emails now come with an Unsubscribe button next to the details of the sender. When you click on the button, you are redirected to a new web page or a pop-up box where you see the message, “Do you want to stop getting messages from this mailing list (brand name).” 

The hackers seem to be using the same button but through a malicious mail to get people to open this page which allows the malware or virus to be infected into the system. So instead of removing your email ID from the mailing list, the bad actor is able to intrude into your system and steal personal data that can never be good. 

These scammers are on prowl for new ways to target their victims and it seems the sheer volume of spam mails and Google’s spam blocking tool is giving them a new way to attack users. Reports and experts claim the Inbox fatigue makes people click on the useful button to stop receiving these emails. And the scammers are now able to easily get them to click on the button which ends up costing dearly. 

The Unsubscribe Issue: How To Protect Yourself? 

We have seen email attachments being used for these scam attacks and the unsubscribe button is acting as a similar vehicle to carry the malware. You just have to follow the basic rules: 

• Do not open or click on the Unsubscribe button in emails from unknown sender
• Never open content in email that has Urgent or Final notice in the email header
• If the Unsubscribe button is not at the top of the mail page next to the email details, do not click on it
• Take a few minutes to read the important spam mails before you decide to hit the unsubscribe button

Email scams are a real threat but always be cautious about how you interact with the emails in your inbox and make sure you read them before clicking or opening any link inside them.

S Aadeetya

S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr…Read More

S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr… Read More

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