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Help fight e-mail spam!
Topics: Anti-SPAM
Posted by kimmienova Tue Nov 13, 2007 10:35:03 PST
Viewed 188 times
0 responses 1 comment I don't know if you are anything like me, but I hate spam emails!

It also doesn't seem to matter how good of a spam blocker you have. Fact is some of those annoying spam emails sometimes still show up in your inbox no matter what. I used to just delete them and go about my day, but they are still an annoying nuisance and it got me to thinking about what I could do to fight back.

I did a little research and found out the Federal Trade Commission has an e-mail address where you can forward them your spam e-mails. The e-mail address is: spam@uce.gov. I found out from the FTC Web site that it receives about 300,000 samples of deceptive spam forwarded by computer users each day and stores it in a database. The FTC and its law enforcement partners use the database to generate cases against people who use spam to spread false or misleading information about their products or services. The FTC’s spam database has served as the basis for FTC cases involving pyramid schemes, money-making chain letters, credit card scams, credit repair scams, bogus weight-loss plans, fraudulent business opportunities, and other scams that were promoted via e-mail.

They say that whenever you complain about spam, it's important to include the full e-mail header, but only forward spam that you think is fraudulent or deceptive. I also checked out the United States Department of Justice Web site about Internet fraud and spam. Their Web site lists specific types of spam e-mails and lists Web sites where you can go to report the spam.

Some examples on their website include:
• Medical products and devices - to report e-mail that involves possibly fraudulent claims about medical devices or products please e-mail the Food and Drug Administration at webcomplaints@ora.fda.gov
• Financial investments - forward investment-related spam e-mails to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at enforcement@sec.gov

There is a lot of good information on their Web site, you should go check it out. Another great Web site that explains Internet fraud and gives tips on how to avoid becoming a victim is www.onguardonline.gov/spam.html. The Web site explains that they "provide practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information."

I get spam e-mail all the time. So now whenever I get spam I just forward it on and delete it and feel like I am actually helping do my part in putting these scam artists out of business!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Comment From: swsamurai

I gave up on reporting spam. I have an email server and get tons, not only in my own email, but that of the other people for whom I host an email addy. While I do my best on the server side, I also advise people to try Cloudmark (www.cloudmark.com). I have been using them for about four years now, and they capture a goodly portion of the stuff.