Guides › Banking Scams and Fraud › Marketing Emails That Won't Stop
Marketing Emails That Won't Stop
Organisations can only send marketing emails in set circumstances, for example if you opted in, and they must give you a simple way to opt out. Once you opt out, they must stop. If the emails continue, you can complain to the ICO.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Marketing Email Rules
The Rules
Organisations may send marketing only in set circumstances, such as when you opted in. Businesses that collect your details should give you a simple way to opt out; if you do not, they may email you about similar products. Organisations and charities must stop marketing emails once you opt out. source
What You Can Do
Use the unsubscribe link or opt-out instructions. If there is none, find the organisation's contact details (often in its privacy notice) and tell it to stop. If emails continue, complain to the ICO using its complaint form. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- Straight awayUnsubscribeUsing the link or by contacting the company
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Click unsubscribe in a genuine email (not in suspicious ones).
Step 2 of 5
If there is no link, email the company to opt out.
Step 3 of 5
Keep copies of emails received after you opted out.
Step 4 of 5
Complain to the ICO if they continue.
Step 5 of 5
Forward scam emails to your email provider's report option.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Company
Opt out and ask it to stop.
Information Commissioner's Office
If marketing continues.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Do not click links in emails that look like scams: report and delete them.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- ico.org.uk/for-the-public/online/spam-emails Checked 13 October 2026
- ico.org.uk Checked 8 October 2026