SPAM

What is SPAM? I’ve heard of it before, but it’s some type of meat in a can … I don’t think that’s what we’re talking about here! This kind of SPAM is the kind we all hate … the unsolicited commercial mail that most Internet subscribers receive on a daily basis.

It is important to know what SPAM is so that we know what we are looking for … otherwise; you might end up deleting something you wanted to read!

What is SPAM?

It can be defined as unwanted e-mail

Another name for it is JUNK MAIL!

Examples of SPAM:

E-mail messages whose subjects are pornography, health care products, chain letters, and fast money gimmicks, and so much more.

People who send SPAM really try to make it look like you know them … they try to make their message look familiar … don’t fall for it!

Most people who send SPAM send it from a different home address, so that you can’t easily find out who they are … tricky, huh?

What is wrong with SPAM?

It leads to slower Internet connections … because it clutters the ISP (Internet Service Providers) bandwith.

It invades the privacy of Internet users.

It is usually a mass e-mail and ends up costing the ISP companies money (because they have to raise their rates to buy more space or bandwith) while saving money for the people who are sending the messages.

You can stop SPAM … but HOW?

Use Filters! But keep in mind that some SPAM finds its way around filters and filters slow connections too.

Use websites that give you information on how to stop SPAM.

Is anyone doing anything about this … like the government?

Well yes … but different states have different laws … for example:

In Maryland there is a bill in place (House Bill 915) since October 2002 that “forbids sending commercial e-mail with unauthorized, misleading, or false information.”

Third parties that have been mistakenly used for spamming can sue for $500 per message.

Internet users can sue for $500 per message

Internet service providers can sue for $1000 per message

Be sure of your rights as an Internet user. It is sometimes difficult to find SPAM users, and it could incorrectly point to you. Be aware.