How to prevent unwanted SPAM emails
Unwanted
SPAM in your Inbox is annoying, and sometimes offensive.
Here are
some effective ways to keep your email address from being sold or abused by
spammers.
Removal Addresses
Never
respond to the 'removal request' email address that shows up in some
spam. Doing so is a quick way to end up on the list of dozens of other
spammers.
Usenet Newsgroups
Never post a message to a
newsgroup using your real email address. A very simple way to cloak your address
from the spam-robots is to add 'spam-bait' to it. For instance, if your email
address is "jdoe@internet.com" change it to something like "jdoe|NO_Spam@internet.com|NoSpam".
This
makes it easy for others to see your address, but the spam robots cannot make
that distinction (yet...). Use spam-bait on email addresses in your news-reader
programme and in any signature files you use. Robots can get your address from
there too.
Personal Websites
If you
have your own website, never put a link to your email address on it unless you
cloak it as described above. Instead, try a mailto CGI script that lets people
fill out a form on your page. There are several online resources for creating
your own scripts. Consult your ISP if you need help setting them up.
Online Services
Never
publish a 'user profile'. Find out if you can request exclusion from any member
directories. Ask the service about setting up a separate user ID (with separate
email box) that you can use for chat rooms or newsgroups. Also, ask if the
service offers any mail filters to keep messages from known spammers out of your
mailbox.
Online Software Registration
Always
double check which options you are checking when registering your software.
Online registration programmes often let you choose to have your address added
to a list of addresses so the business can send you email. Sometimes you have to
uncheck a box if you don't want advertisements.
Electronic News Subscriptions
The same
warnings as above apply here. Read the options very carefully.
If you
have HOT
MAIL you can block
the email ( you should block the entire @domain.com ). Use the BLOCK button
located next to the DELETE button.
If you
have
YAHOO MAIL you can
go to OPTIONS->Block addresses.
If you
have OUT
LOOK Express/Pro go to TOOLS->Message Rules->Blocked
Senders List. And add the domain or email you wish to block.
A useful
tool is to prevent spam is
SPAM ARREST :
Spam
Arrest uses a combination of unique technology and a human touch to defeat the
exponentially increasing problem of spam. Spam Arrest will save you time and
money — and end the frustration of receiving constant unwanted email. For more
details see
http://www.spamarrest.com
SPAMCOP
If you do
receive unwanted SPAM you can also report the sender, and any associated
domains, via SPAMCOP free of charge. For more details see
http://www.spamcop.com
|
