Spam Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is Spam? In the Malaysian context, Spam is defined as mass sending of unsolicited messages (for example Internet e-mails or mobile short messaging service). Sometimes, these are for the purpose of selling products and services, but Spam can also be used to initiate Internet scams and spread viruses. 2. Is Spam a problem? Spam has increased to such an extent that it now has a significantly negative effect on users' confidence in using e-mail. All this junk mail clogs up the system, slowing it down for everyone. Receiving Spam is also a nuisance to recipients, as they have to spend time sifting through and deleting unwanted e-mails. Apart from the end users, the Internet and e-mail service provider also incur additional cost as Spam imposes storage, transmission and computing costs. 3. How do Spammers get e-mail addresses? Spammers use various means to obtain e-mail addresses. Among the ways used are: (i) Using automatic programs or "harvesters" to scan Newgroups, Webpages and Forwarded e-mails (ii) Purchasing lists of e-mail addresses from third parties who compile such information. (iii) Using 'dictionary attacks" to try out all possible combinations of letters, common names and words in e-mail addresses. 4. How to distinguish Spam from legitimate e-mail? The main distinguishing factor between a legitimate message and Spam is consent. Simply put, if you asked for it, it is not Spam. As an example mass mailings of e-mails of a commercial nature are legitimate if you invited the communiation by signing up for "news" on certain topics or for offers of a particular kind. E-mail from friends is not Spam. Receiving forwarded mails from friends although annoying, is not Spam. If the sender is known to you, the best way to put a stop to it is to politely ask them to stop sending you such mails. 5. What should marketer or business sending commercial e-mails do? The first rule for the marketer is to obtain permission/consent of the recipient before sending out marketing messages. The target audience should only be those who have expressed an interest in a particular product or service being marketed by that sender. The sender is also obligated to provide accurate sender information and install a functional "unsubscribe" facility in the mail sent out.		Legislation International Activities Spam Framework for Development Papers Public Enquiry Reports Glossary Contact Us Feedback Links