Plus, you won't know if it filtered out important emails by accident. Here's the 411: your spam folder is basically a catchall spot in your email account that automatically filters out junk mail, or 'spam.' Digital junk mail is just like the unwanted coupons, flyers and other stuff you get in your mailbox, except your spam folder is separate from your main email inbox - so if you never check it and delete the junk, it quickly becomes a digital dumping ground. But perhaps you weren't quite sure what your spam folder even is, never mind how to check it. 'Have you checked your spam folder?' You've probably heard this question before. (Photo: Getty) (Rawpixel via Getty Images) Getting to the bottom of your spam folder is not as scary as it sounds.