Sarah Sharkey
Updated Aug 28, 2025
Keeping your inbox tidy often starts with tapping “unsubscribe.” After all, nobody likes a flood of spammy emails.
But that simple click can put you at risk. One recent report found that one in every 644 unsubscribe clicks leads to a malicious website. Because most scams target your wallet, good email hygiene is more than convenience; it protects your money.
When ‘unsubscribe’ can backfire
Clicking unsubscribe feels productive, yet it can be dangerous. Even legit-looking messages can hide bad links.
In 2022, 70% of Canadians experienced at least one cybersecurity incident, up from 58% in 2020. These included phishing attacks, malware, fraud and hacked accounts. DNSfilter, a cybersecurity firm, told the Wall Street Journal the aforementioned one in every 644 clicks it tracked landed on a malicious website.
Even if the page you reach is harmless, the act of clicking tells scammers you interact with links, making you a bigger target down the road.
"If it's a bad actor that's sending this email to you, and the email looks legit, but at the bottom it says, 'Click here to unsubscribe,' why would that link be any safer than 'Click here to see if you won $5,000'?” Heidi Mitchell, a contributing writer to the Wall Street Journal, told WGAL.
Sponsored
Smart investing starts here
Build your own investment portfolio with CIBC Investor’s Edge online and mobile trading platform. Enjoy low commissions on trades and special pricing for active traders, students and young investors.
Get started todayEmail hygiene that protects your money
A single bad link can cost you cash or hours of cleanup. To lower the odds, here's what you can do:
- Skip every link from senders you do not recognize, even ones labeled unsubscribe
- Visit the company’s real website on your own and change email settings there
- If you do not have an account, mark the message as spam so future notes bypass your inbox
- Create a burner email for coupons, contests and other signups so your main address stays clean
When in doubt, do not click. Your wallet will thank you.
Sources
1. The Wall Street Journal: Think Twice Before You Click ‘Unsubscribe’, by Heidi Mitchell (Jun 9, 2025)
2. Statistics Canada: Cybersecurity Awareness Month: How cyber-safe are Canadians? (Oct 17, 2024)
How Dave Ramsey’s plan helps people ditch debt for good
Tired of living paycheck to paycheck? Dave Ramsey’s popular 7-step method shows you exactly how to wipe out debt and finally build real savings. No gimmicks — just a clear plan that works.
Sarah Sharkey
Freelance Contributor
Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance writer who enjoys diving into the details to help readers make savvy financial decisions. She covers mortgages, insurance, money management, and more. She lives in Florida with her husband and dogs. When she's not writing, she's outside exploring the coast.
Explore the latest articles
Can you pay the CRA with a credit card?
Can you pay your taxes using a credit card? Yes, but that doesn’t mean you should. Here’s what to consider before swiping for the taxman
Leanne Armstrong
Contributor
Disclaimer
The content provided on Money.ca is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter. Advertisers are not responsible for the content of this site, including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any advertiser product, please visit their website.
†Terms and Conditions apply.
