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By Amy R. Derr
If your email inbox is like many, the answer is hundreds, maybe even thousands. How do they get there? Honestly, your email address can be given out once to the wrong person or company who then sells it and the rest is history. Additionally, there are companies who basically scan the internet for loose emails. They find them in forums, chat rooms, and so on and consolidate them and then send you that lovely SPAM or they sell them to other spammers. The end result is an abundance of ‘junk’ in your email box including some things you’d just as soon not ever see.
SPAM can contain files or viruses that are harmful to your computer and any person you email or send files to. SPAM can contain scams designed to steal your identity or trick you into giving them money or personal information. In 2003 the CAN SPAM bill was passed requiring businesses to ask permission before they send an email to customers or website visitors. However, that doesn’t mean everyone follows the laws, certainly not those intent on spamming you. Your email inbox is proof of that.
So how do you prevent getting all this SPAM?
Some people have two email addresses. One that they provide to friends, family and business associates and another that they use when they’re shopping online, visiting forums or chat rooms and any time they’re asked for an email address. This is a fine solution, however it doesn’t prevent you from receiving SPAM, you just don’t have to deal with it on a daily basis.
The better solution might be to look into SPAM blockers and filters. These tools enable you to keep your one or two email addresses and not worry about having to deal with SPAM.
It is helpful to look for an email provider that offers SPAM blocking and filtering services. For example, Gmail and Hotmail both offer SPAM filtering. Most of your SPAM will fall into your ‘junk’ or ‘SPAM’ folder. When SPAM does sneak through their filter, because spammers are constantly updating their technology, then all you have to do is use the reporting tool in your email program and those messages will not sneak through again. This helps email providers stay on top of the spammers and keeps them out of your inbox in the future.
There are also external providers and software programs that you can utilize to help keep SPAM out of your inbox. Many of these services come with a fee, however if you’re receiving hundreds of SPAM messages each day, it may be worth the money. There are also open source SPAM blockers like SPAM Assassin that are available and effective.
Open source or paid, there is an abundance SPAM filtering programs available online. Look for reputable companies with a solid track record. Once you’ve signed up with one, the general approach is to download the software first. Once it is up and running you will run the program each time you start your computer, before you check your email, and it will filter the SPAM.
In the battle against SPAM it is important to know that you have many businesses and organizations on your side. Your ISP or your browser may also have tools you can use to block or filter SPAM. Many anti virus and firewall software providers offer SPAM blocking features. The point is, you don’t have to deal with those ugly, offensive, and potentially harmful SPAM messages in your email. There are options. Take advantage of them, free yourself from the junk, and help fight the battle against spammers by filtering and reporting them.
About the Author:
Amy Derr seeks to help business owners and organizations market themselves effectively online. She is a Professional Web Designer who owns and operates Insiteful Web Design (http://www.insitefulwebdesign.com), a full-service web design firm.
This article may be reprinted as long as the "About the Author" blurb stays in place.
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