Spam On Computer Questions

[trying2win]

The amount of spam I've been getting on my computer lately is getting worse. I don't like spending time getting rid of it everyday. I've used techniques like a BOUNCE BACK TO SENDER function (I like using this one because it gives the spammer a 'taste of their own medicine', so to speak). I've tried the BLOCK function too. Seems I've only made a small dent in the number of spam arriving.

At one time spammers used to use an alleged, real first name. Now a lot of them are using an alleged, real first name and surname. When you right- click on the spam to find out the email address of the spammer, quite often it's a YAHOO.COM made-up email address.

Anyone else running into these spam problems? So, I've got a few questions:

1. Has anyone invented any new software that recognizes spam and destroys it before it gets into your inbox?

2. Borrowing a line from the telephone solicting connection, is there a DO-NOT-CALL (in this case DO-NOT-SEND) government agency I can email to, in order to curtail this unwanted email?

3. Or, has anyone have any other ideas to deal with this spam problem.


Thanks,

T2W

[JustRalph]

The amount of spam I've been getting on my computer lately is getting worse. I don't like spending time getting rid of it everyday. I've used techniques like a BOUNCE BACK TO SENDER function (I like using this one because it gives the spammer a 'taste of their own medicine', so to speak).

yep, and every time you bounce back to them they place your email address in their "verified good" list and sell it to their buddies who then start spamming you with even more crap. You think you are giving them a taste of their own medicine, but they have automated programs that just trash everything you send them and place you on a list that gets you more spam in the long run. How long have you been running the "bounce back" ? it could be the reason you are getting more and more spam every day. I suggest you turn it off. Your email address has probably been sold at least 5 times a day since you started running it.................a nickel an address is not unheard of.............

[kenwoodallpromos]

I agree- confirms a good address and does not bother them. You can only accept pre-approvedm senders. Northon anti-virus give you the level of incoming you want.
You can forward the spam to your provider (MSN, etc.) if fraud or many from the same source. Do not open anything to multiple addresses. Be careful what you click on to.

[trying2win]

Ralph,

Thanks for the comments on the 'BOUNCE BACK TO SENDER' function. I never thought of the verification angle by spammers.


T2W

[Dave Schwartz]

If you are using Outlook or Outlook Express, consider SPAM Bully.

http://www.spambully.com/

I have been using it about 18 months and my spam has dropped from a high of almost 8,800 per day to 2,600. Of that 2,600 only about 4-5 get through to my inbox.

It takes a couple of months to "train" it, but it really works. (It is a Bayesian spam filter.) BTW, they sell a "site" license that covers all our computers for about $20 more than the base price.


A few tips...

1. Turn off pictures and html in emails.
You can always click to allow them if they are from a legitimate source.

2. Never respond to a "take me off this list."
Works just like "bouncing." You went from being on a rented list to being on their list because you responded.

3. If you surf porn make sure that you are anonymous.
If you don't you will never be free of spam (or spyware and trojans, for that matter).


Regards,
Dave Schwartz

[Tom]

4. Never open any email unless you know who it is from. Delete everyting unless you are sure. You miss some legit thin,gs but then, nothing important should ever be sent by email anyways, and no responsible, legitimate business would use eamil for anything important.

[PaceAdvantage]

8800? Holy Shit! (NYPD approved?)


And I thought I had it bad....

[BillW]

8800? Holy Shit! (NYPD approved?)


And I thought I had it bad....

I get ticked off when I get 2 or 3 per month - you guys are real pros! :eek:

[Tom]

I get about 45-60 a day.

Half are about Cialis.

*You are "affected" for over 4 hours see a doctor!"
Hell no...I'm going to See Alice, See Susan, See Monica, See Betty....."

[trying2win]

Dave,

I went to the SPAM BULLY website and read about their product. Looks interesting. Unfortunately, I don't use OUTLOOK EXPRESS anymore. I prefer using the premium edition of INCREDIMAIL. Thanks for suggesting that product anyway.


T2W

[Dave Schwartz]

PA,

8800? Holy Shit! (NYPD approved?)

LOL

That is what happens when you have the same email address for 11 years and it is posted publicly on the web. Every spider finds it.


Dave

[kitts]

I have had success using the easy to use Junk Mail tools on Netscape 7.1--it has reduced my visible Spam more than 50%. I still get about 10-15 daily, the vast amount are offensive and sexual in nature.