Why you should use a separate email for freebies (and how to set one up)
If you enter sweepstakes, join survey panels or request samples, you'll get more email. A separate address keeps it all in one place and away from your personal inbox.
Why it helps
- A cleaner main inbox. Bills and family emails don't get buried.
- You won't miss a win. Winner notices are easier to spot in a dedicated inbox.
- Better privacy. If a site ever has a data problem, your main address isn't exposed.
Set one up in 5 minutes
- Create a free account with a major email provider such as Gmail, Outlook or Yahoo.
- Pick a name you'll remember, like yourname.freebies.
- Turn on two-step verification in the security settings.
- Add the app to your phone so you can check it quickly.
- Use it for every sweepstakes, survey and sample sign-up.
Keep it safe
- Use a different password from your main email.
- Never reply to messages asking you to pay to claim something. See how to spot a fake sweepstakes.
- Unsubscribe from lists you no longer want. Every honest sender includes a one-click unsubscribe link.