Until firm repercussions exist globally, SPAM will continue to be a problem for Internet users. Even if a worldwide policy were to be developed, I imagine SPAM would still exist.
These emails are nothing more than high-tech multi level marketing. They are today’s version of the pyramid scheme. Plain and simple — the senders of these unwanted emails are playing the percentages. Of the hundreds of thousands of emails they send out, they hope for a minimal click-through rate. For each person that clicks a link in the email, the person at the top of the pyramid gets paid through the affiliate links embedded within. Often, those under the pyramid will receive a lesser commission for their part in distributing the messages.
While many governments have put mandatory requirements on email solicitations, requiring unsubscribe / opt-out links, few of the links are legitimate. Yes, you may see an unsubscribe link in the footer of the message. Yes, it may go to a webpage where you can enter your email address and press send. However, should you do this, most likely you will then be flooded with new (unwanted) messages. By using the SPAMmer’s online form, you have just told them “yes, this is my email address”. The original sender will then take your confirmed email and sell it to others purveyors of unsolicited advertisements.
A few tips on combating SPAM:
- Never use an “unsubscribe” link in a SPAM email. To do so simply tells the SPAMmers that your email address is valid and you did receive the message. From that point on, your email address will be passed along to other SPAM groups and it will only get worse.
- Never click a link in an email that claims to be from a bank, payment center, prize distribution office or other money-related entity. No financial institution will contact you with confidential account information through email.
- Utilize a SPAM filter for your email program. Many large companies (MSN, Yahoo, Earthlink) offer free SPAM filters as part of their email packages. Many hosting companies offer free tools like SPAM Assassin that you can activate on your email account.
- Report SPAM. There are several agencies and groups that log all SPAM reports. These reports are then forwarded to the ISP where the email originated. Information from these reports may also be used to update SPAM filter lists.
