When the everyday fixes are not enough.

A reviewed inbox

For people with a small, predictable set of contacts, a separate queue for unfamiliar senders can be useful. Keep it as a review folder, check it daily and allow important contacts. Your provider or workplace administrator may offer restricted-delivery controls; avoid an untested catch-all rule.

A built-in screener

HEY’s Screener lets you decide whether a new sender reaches your main inbox. It is a paid provider, not a universal add-on for every Gmail or Outlook account. Check current pricing, migration, account recovery and compatibility before switching.

Start again carefully

Keep a new private address for trusted contacts and important accounts. Use a separate address or aliases for optional sign-ups. Move accounts gradually, confirm recovery details, and keep monitoring the old inbox. Deleting an old account too early can make it difficult to regain access elsewhere.

Before paying for removal services

Check which providers the service covers in the UK, whether it revisits records, what information it requires, its cancellation terms and how it confirms results. Coverage counts are not evidence that a service can remove every copy. You can make the direct requests in our directory yourself for free.

Related guides

• When they keep contacting you anyway. Who to complain to about marketing that carries on after you have said no, what to have ready and what happens afterwards.