What is Spam?
Spam is junk mail that you receive online—unwanted e-mail, instant messages, e-cards, and other online communication.
Spam used to be just an annoyance. Today, spam has become an epidemic that can sometimes have serious consequences. Spam now accounts for two-thirds of all e-mail traffic worldwide; more than 15 billion spam messages are sent and received every day. Things are even worse in the United States, where junk e-mail now accounts for more than four out of every five e-mail messages.
Besides being annoying and clogging your e-mail inbox, spam can also pose real threats to your safety and security. Among other things, spam is often used by con artists who want to trick you into giving them your money or personal information.
Technology can help you stay safe. Spam filters used by e-mail programs and Web browsers are improving constantly. In some cases, they are blocking billions of spam e-mails daily. And new technologies are emerging that analyze and flag potential online scams, and then provide guidance on what you can do.
But technology is only part of the answer. The best defense against spam and online scams is your own good judgment.
Protect Yourself Against Spam and Online Scams
Be on the lookout for signs of a scam in your e-mail. Any time you receive an alarmist message from a company, or a threat to close your account unless you verify personal information right away, be wary. Legitimate companies don’t do business this way over the Internet. If there is a real problem with one of your accounts, you won’t be asked to reveal personal information online.
E-mail that promises big money for little or no effort is most likely a scam in disguise. Deals that sound too good to be true probably are, just like in the real world. Misspellings and grammatical errors in e-mail may also indicate spam that could lead to problems if you respond.
How to Protect Yourself
- Delete spam without opening it. That one action alone will nip a lot of problems in the bud and spare you a lot of potential trouble.
- Protect your privacy. Don’t share any personal or financial information in an e-mail or instant message. If a reputable company appears to ask for personal information—such as credit card or bank account numbers or passwords—it could be a scam designed to capture your information and steal your identity.
- Don’t reply to spam. Don’t buy anything from an unknown source. Don’t give to money to charities based on e-mail directions; instead, contact the organization directly to find out the best way to contribute.
