FAQ: How to stop spam

Unsolicited e-mail, known as spam, drives everyone nuts, except perhaps the people that profit from it. Here's a series of helpful questions and answers that can help you remove or at least minimize spam from your inbox. Please scroll down to the bottom to see all the Q&As.

Q.What is spam?

A. Spam is unsolicited e-mail sent you to by someone you don't know. Normally it contains a marketing message that is trying to get you to buy a product or service. The origin of the term "spam" comes from a sketch by the British comedy troupe Monty Python. They did a bit on a restaurant that only featured dishes made with Spam, which as you may know is a canned ham product from Hormel. When the waitress describes items on the menu a group of Vikings sing a song that goes something like: "Spam spam spam spam, spam spam spam spam, spam spam spam spam..." Maybe spam comes from the idea that its a continuous stream of annoying nonsense. The spam skit is available on this DVD.

Q. Yeah I know what it is I just want to get RID OF IT!!!!! Is there any software available to help me stop spam?

A. We know how you feel. We really really like Cloudmark's SpamNet, which integrates into Outlook and Outlook Express. (We use it both at home and the office.) We also suggest you look at SpamArrest -- check out their fun demo. There's also Mailblocks (see review) as well as McAfee.com SpamKiller. Lots of options, all good.

Q. How do spammers get my e-mail address?

A. E-mail marketing people are a wily bunch. See this column to learn how they get your e-mail address for their databases.

Q. Should I try to unsubscribe from an unsolicited e-mail that I have received?

A. The spam you receive may very well have unsubscribe information in them, but It's often a ploy for spammers to appear responsible. However, if spammers gave everyone on their distribution list the legitimate option to unsubscribe, they would be out of business very quickly. While unsubscribing may be tempting, replying to a spammer gives them even more proof that your e-mail address is active.

Q. What can I do to stop spammers?

A. If you want to fight back, you can. Forward a message with your spam complaint to the Internet Service Provider (ISP) that hosts the spammer's e-mail account. For example, if you received spam from bobby1234@llama-boy.com, then go to the Web site www.llama-boy.com and look for a "contact us" page. Often ISPs have an e-mail account called "abuse" for such purposes. In the example above, you'd send a copy of the spam to abuse@llama-boy.com. You could also try postmaster@llamaboy.com or hostmaster@llama-boy.com. Try to verify what the correct address is first so you don't waste anyone else's time. Reputable ISPs will investigate spammers and if they are found to be contravening the company's member agreement they are shutdown.

Q. How do I filter out spam in my e-mail program?

A. Here's a column on how to activate your e-mail program to control spam. Click here.

Q. What else can I do to stop getting spam?

A. Here's another great help column on spam. Click here.

Q. What did I do on-line to attract all this spam?
A. If you gave your e-mail out to any on-line Web site, you're vulnerable to spam. This is especially so if you participate in on-line chats, post your e-mail address to a newsgroup or enter on-line contests and sweepstakes. If you have posted your e-mail to your own homepage for site visitor feedback you'll attract a lot of spam, usually to do with improving your Web site traffic. Entering chat rooms on AOL will also publicize your e-mail address and get you on spam lists.

Q. I want to use e-mail to market my product or service, but don't want to be branded "a spammer" or annoy my potential customers. Any tips?

A. Read this book Marketing with E-mail: A Spam-Free Guide to Increasing Sales, Building Loyalty, and Increasing Awareness.

Q. Any good books for people who want to avoid spam?

A. Sure, try this book: Stopping Spam

Q. Got any good anti-spam links?

A. Here's a few:

Q. Great advice, got any more e-mail related columns?

A. Do we ever! Please see our e-mail FAQ.

Q. I still have questions or need assistance with a particular problem. Where can I get help?

A. Try our free help forum. Click here. You may also want to look at our Emergency Help page.