Anti-Spam Discussion Forums

[olderandwiser]

Hi all I am new here and consider myself a newbie to a lot of computer stuff. Only been sing it since 2001.
Last few days I have been getting investment stuff from a particular security sector. I have not inquired into anything of that nature and it seems the name or the reason changes daily. I block sender every time but when they keep using different names I have to wonder.
Is this spam and how do I get rid of it.........I don;t get a lot of emails, don't go investigating deep into cyberspace since I first got computer. I switched from dial up WINME to cable high speed 2000 about a year ago.
This just appeared out of the blue. Please its just annoying and I did reply to one name....only to ask where they got my addy. No answer..next time different topic as opening but same crap about investments.
Please what do you think and how do I get rid of them? I am not wealthy ...are there any free programs to block these idiots?
If I understand the rules...I am not allowed to actually mention their name......is that right?
Please what can I do? This has never happened to me before.....oh I had battle with porn crap few years back but got rid of it. Yes I have adaware, spybot and have run them both and AVG as antivirus
Please....some suggestions. thanks

[SpamItBack]

There are a number of ways spammers get your e-mail addresses.

Everything from including 'fake' opt-out lists (which in reality confirm your e-mail address is 'live'), to capturing e-mail addresses on the fly.

Ultimately, 99% of spam e-mail requests that you "visit" a particular URL, which is a good way to start to find out where it is originating.

[olderandwiser]

OK so how do I get rid of this and avoid it??? I honestly do not remember going to any URL . My emails are from friends for most part. We send ecards........nothing deep

These come directly into my email in OE 6 at my OE address.

I checked the properties-----I will go through again and try to zap the damn thing back at them

Iguess that is what you are saying I should do???

[SpamItBack]

Hi

One big tip is to *not* use Outlook Express Intially, OE (and Outlook)
was designed with a whole bunch of extra features (i.e., javascript,
browser support, etc) to make e-mail really good. However, these same
features can (in some cases) unfortunately be exploited, and OE is one
of the best tools spammers can use to extract e-mail addresses, including
yours.

Just reread your post, and realized OE may not be your problem,
and you may not actually be receiving "spam" (rather, items you
'opted' to/gave permission to receive).

If you send E-Cards, you are especially prone to receiving additional
e-mails, that may not necessarily be spam, because most of the terms
and conditions say that you grant permission to 'receive offers' from
'partners', etc (part of the reason that the e-cards are free).

A simple solution would be to not use free e-cards.

[olderandwiser]

thanks willl bear that in mind for future knowledge