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Spam
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Spam
Spam, junk mail, unsolicited mail - whatever you want to call it - is a problem of epidemic proportions on the Internet and for SuffolkWeb users. It is still too early to determine the effects the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 will have on spammers; the government and large Internet providers are pursuing spammers, but prosecution attempts may stay in the courts for sometime. And those intent on spamming will find loopholes in the law, or simply ignore the law. And if the source of spam is outside the United States, there are no international laws restricting spam. But there are things that can be done to cut down on the amount of spam that you receive.
What SuffolkWeb Can and Cannot Do
Software filtering of spam can be unreliable, sometimes identifying legitimate mail as spam or missing what is obvious spam. Ingenious spammers use a variety of methods to circumvent filtering. When spam can be identified, SuffolkWeb adds [SPAM] to the Subject line. SuffolkWeb cannot change a SuffolkWeb user's e-mail address because a user is receiving junk and spam mail. Use the methods described in the section below to avoid spam. Proper e-mail techniques will help diminish spam activity to a user's mail account. SuffolkWeb cannot block domains or specific e-mail addresses if requested by a SuffolkWeb user. Requests are typically unconfirmed and often the result of individual disputes. All SuffolkWeb users attempting to send spam or forged mail will have their accounts revoked. An account may or may not be reactivated at the discretion of the user's local public library.
What SuffolkWeb Users Can and Should Do
Second, ask your correspondents not to add your e-mail address to their joke lists as you do not wish your address to become publicly available. Ask that jokes be sent either directly to you or by using the blind carbon-copy function in e-mail programs. Third and despite the CAN-SPAM Act, never respond to junk mail, especially if it tells you to do so in order to be removed from the list. This just lets the sender know that there is a live fish at the end of the line. Once your existence is verified (by you!) you're on the list and will be added to other lists. When and if the CAN-SPAM Act is successfully enforceable, then there will be provisions for responding to legitimate and registered bulk mailers. Fourth, consider obtaining an anti-spam program that will isolate and/or automatically delete any spam being delivered to your computer. Many of the anti-virus software producers have anti-spam programs. Or search the word spam at http://www.tucows.com for a list of free and commercial programs. Fifth, if you or one of your correspondents receives a mail rejection notice because a piece of legitimate mail cannot be delivered, be sure to read the contents of the message and follow the appropriate instructions. Sixth, keep up the pressure on your elected officials. They are the only ones that can enact and enforce junk/spam laws. Finally, you might want to check out the following web sites for additional information.
About...Spam
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