Spam Tips to Reduce Spam 1. Never buy anything advertised in Spam. Spam is all about selling. Spammers only require a small number of people to buy something, as mass sending e-mails is virtually free. Spammers exist because there are people purchase what these Spammers peddle. If people stop purchasing Spam-advertised products the problem would stop. 2. Don't reply to Spam Many Spammers will put an "unsubscribe" function into their mail. By responding, you are actually verifying that your e-mail account is active. This can lead to you opening yourself for a deluge of Spam mails. 3. Don't open Spam Some Spam messages are programmed to contain Web bugs, which notify the senders when an e-mail he or she has sent has been opened. The notification is a positive sign to Spammers that your e-mail address is valid. 4. Don't publicly divulge your e-mail address Only give out your e-mail address when there is a justifiable need. When someone asks you for your e-mail address, ask them to explain why they require it. If they are unable to provide a satisfactory explanation, decline to supply your address. 5. Never use "remove" options in a Spam Using the "remove" option is same as replying to a Spam. 6. Use Spam filters One of the most effective ways to control spam is by using protective software known as a filter. FIlters allow you to easily block any e-mail messages from specified addresses, domains or which have a specific subject or text from being deposited in your box. A number of these filtering tools are available on the market and can be classified as follows:- i. Server side spam filtering Prevents the spam from reaching your box. ii. Client side spam filtering Removes the spam from your mailbox before you have read it. iii. DNS Black Hole List DNSBLs filters spam by using Domain Name Service (DNS) records as a database of policies relating to either an IP address or domain name. The database is then used to decide whether or not to accept (or label) e-mail. iv. Blacklist Lists of IP addresses, domain names, e-mail addresses, content of the headers and even content of the message or some combination of these types can be used to identify and block spam. However the available blacklists can be unverified and their criteria for listing may not be clear.		Legislation International Activities Spam Framework for Development Papers Public Enquiry Reports Glossary Contact Us Feedback Links