How do I tell if a lead is spam vs. legitimate?

Open the opportunity card and look at the contact name and email. Red flags: random strings of letters as a name (like "Jxkqprt Blvnm"), obviously fake email addresses (like "test@test.com" or strings of numbers), or no email at all. Real patients fill out their actual name and a working email because they expect a reply.

Click through to the contact record and check what they typed in the message or inquiry field. Bot submissions often contain links, SEO gibberish, job solicitations ("I can help improve your website..."), or are completely blank. A real patient writes something personal: "I've been losing hair since I was 32 and want to know my options."

When in doubt, call. A disconnected number, a generic "this number is not in service" message, or an automated forwarding service that immediately pitches you a product confirms it's spam. A real lead either picks up, lets it ring, or has a personal voicemail greeting. This takes 20 seconds and removes all ambiguity.

Once you've confirmed it's spam, open the opportunity card and delete it. If you're seeing repeated spam from the same area or source (e.g., all coming through one landing page), screenshot a couple of examples and send them to your VMMG account manager. A spike in spam can indicate a form-targeting bot that needs to be blocked at the ad level.