| SPAM FACT SHEET |
| What is SPAM? |
spam [spam] noun
electronic junk mail: an unsolicited often commercial message transmitted through the Internet as a mass mailing to a large number of recipients
source: Encarta® World English Dictionary [North American Edition] 2001
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| WHERE DOES IT COME FROM? |
Spammers make it their business to collect e-mail addresses. Lists are compiled in many ways. Unscrupulous spammers use special programs to scan the web collecting e-mail addresses. Be aware that publicly disclosing your e-mail address may result in being added to a mailing list. Some common ways e-mail addresses are collected are:
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- Posting your e-mail address in newsgroups and message board forums
- Replying or unsubscribing to spam - doing this confirms your e-mail address is valid and generates more spam
- Using "Send this page to a friend" links
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- Sending electronic greeting cards
- Entering online contests indiscriminately - some are fronts to collect addresses
- Online registration forms with options to receive promotions from related companies, set to YES by default
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| STOPPING THE SPAM |
Protecting your EWOL e-mail account from SPAM:
In an effort to better serve our clients, EWOL has implemented software on our mail servers which is called a filter. The filter will automatically check for e-mail suspected of being SPAM. Select from one of 3 filtering options:
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- No SPAM filtering
- SPAM identification - Potential SPAM is identified with "SPAM:" in the subject line before delivery to you *
- SPAM removal - Deletes all porential SPAM before delivery to you *
* Please note that selecting a filtering option other than "No Filter" may result in legitimate e-mail being identified as SPAM. |
Additional steps to take:
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- Avoid posting your e-mail address publicly
- Be aware of website privacy policies - most reputable sites will have one that states their policy about sharing or selling information
- Have two e-mail addresses, one for friends and family, and one for other uses - keep your personal e-mail private
- Outlook Express users can configure a "block sender" list that automatically deletes mail from e-mail addresses you specify
- As a final alternative, request a new e-mail address
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