Warning: Spam e-mails are not only annoying and time consuming, but they're also becoming more dangerous to your personal privacy and the security of your computer. Millions of computers users are getting infected, spoofed, and tricked by spam e-mails every year, forcing the user to pay hefty fees to clean and restore their PCs back to working order.
So what can we do about this?
First and foremost, it's absolutely critical that you get a quality spam blocking software installed as a first line of defense. New government regulations haven't done a single thing towards preventing or stopping spammers so the responsibility lies on your shoulders.
As you probably already know from firsthand experience, once you're on a spammer's list, it's impossible to get off; and changing your e-mail address can be a major inconvenience especially if you rely on it to stay in touch with important contacts.
To reduce the chances of your e-mail address getting on a spammers list, here are 5 simple preventative measures you can take that will go a long way in keeping not-so-delicious spam out of your in-box.
1. Use a disposable e-mail address.
If you buy products online or occasionally subscribe to websites that interest you, chances are you're going to get spammed.
To avoid your main e-mail address from ending up on their broadcast list, set up a free internet e-mail address and use it when buying or opting in to online newsletters. You can also use a throwaway e-mail address when making purchases or subscribing to newsletters.
2. Pay attention to check boxes that automatically opt you in.
Whenever you subscribe to a website or make a purchase online, be very watchful of small, pre-checked boxes that say, "Yes! I want to receive offers from third party companies."
If you do not un-check the box to opt-out, your e-mail address can (and will) be sold to every online advertiser. To avoid this from happening, simply take a closer look at every online form you fill out.
3. Don't post your main e-mail address on web forums or newsgroups.
Spammers have special programs that can glean e-mail addresses from websites without your permission. If you are posting to a web forum or newsgroup, use your disposable e-mail address instead of your main e-mail address.
4. Don't open, reply to or try to opt-out of obvious spam e-mails.
Opening, replying to, or even clicking a bogus opt-out link in an obvious spam e-mail signals that your e-mail address is active, and more spam will follow.
The only time it is safe to click on the opt-out link or reply to the e-mail is when the message was sent from a company you know or do business with (for example, a company that you purchase from or a newsletter you subscribed to).