Google issues ‘red alert’ warning to billions of Gmail users over harassment emails – three-step method to staying safe

GOOGLE has warned anyone who has a Gmail inbox filling up with spam or concerning messages.

If you feel like you're being harassed via email there are several steps you can take and you don't have to suffer in silence.

Google says on : "If you're getting emails that you don't want in your Gmail inbox, you can block or unsubscribe from the sender, or report the message to Gmail."

There are three steps you're advised to take if you are in this situation.

You can start by blocking an email address.

Open your Gmail, go to the message, and click the three vertical dots at the top right to take you to the More menu.

Then, click Block and that email address can no longer send emails to your inbox.

If you do this by mistake, just follow the steps above to reverse it.

If mass spam emails are your problem you should unsubscribe from them.

Open an email from the culprit and next to the sender name click Unsubscribe or Change preferences.

It can take a few days for you to be removed from someone's mailing list.

Finally, if you're being harassed, Google suggests taking more serious action.

The tech giant says: "If someone uses Gmail to harass, intimidate or threaten you, they're violating Gmail's Programme Policies. 

"If you feel that you're in danger, contact your local authorities straight away and ask whether any cyber harassment laws apply to your situation."