A second email account created to avoid spam. A spam email account is used to obtain free downloads on websites that require registering an email address. In many cases, the email is verified by sending a message to that address before the download is allowed; thus, it has to be a legitimate one.
However, the download may be free only because the user's email address will be used to send follow-up information or be sold to organizations that generate never-ending spam. Users do not check their spam account frequently, or at all. If specific messages in the spam account wind up being desirable, they can always be forwarded to the user's primary email address.
Email programs attempt to filter out spam and differentiate incoming messages. For example, Gmail's Promotions tab contains ads that did not go to spam. Nevertheless, users often feel obligated to scan such lists in case something is meaningful. See
spam filter and
burner phone.
Many Regrets!
Ever since the advent of the Internet and universal email, countless users have regretted not setting up a spam account. After a while, people receive hundreds and even thousands of ads every day that do not get sent to the spam folder. Although it gets worse each passing year, users are reluctant to create a new email account because they would have to notify all their contacts of the change.
Spam Accounts Also Created for Instagram
An Instagram spam account is set up so that users can follow content they do not want their close friends or colleagues to see. In addition, they can post things on the spam account that are more controversial and contentious. See
Instagram.