Lisa Dorsey

SLM 521 Fall, 2004

Elective #8

 

SPAM

It’s not just a canned meat

(if you are looking for the canned stuff,

click here and there is no need to continue)

A guide for

internet users

 

 

What is SPAM?

Do you ever get unsolicited mail in your in-box, wonder how you got it and were mad when you opened it by accident? 

This unwanted stuff is called SPAM.

 

 

What is wrong with SPAM?
It’s a drag!  It fills up your in-box, the senders are tricky and disguise themselves as something you might be interested in. 

The US business lost $4 billion in productivity last year due to SPAM.

 

 

 

What is the government doing about SPAM?

The government has passed legislation to give us rights instead of the Spammers. 

The act is called CAN-SPAM (pretty catchy, huh?) basically, if a person objects the e-mail,

the spammer has to stop sending the user spam, spammers are not allowed to use deceptive headings,

spammer must identify themselves and offer an opt-out option.

 

You can review the details at the following address:

http://www.spamlaws.com/federal/108s877oct22.html

 

 

 

What can I do to protect myself from SPAM?

 

·        There are anti-spamming devices available.  Check out these sources:

                   Cloud Mark – The Immune System for E-mail

                   Geek Tools

 

·        If you receive unwanted e-mail, return to sender and ask why you received it and to be removed from the list.

·        If you come across information that seems illegal or a scam, let the Securities and Exchange Commission know.

·        Do not accept links or downloads from sites you feel are not trustworthy.