What to Do to Avoid Email Spam

Spam is probably the most annoying thing the internet has to offer. It's vile, it invades your private email, and it always has malicious intent.

If you're already overrun by it, do it like in war: drop everything and start running. Because it's a battle you're going to lose. Find a good email provider and make yourself a new account. Import all your old contacts from the enemy territory. Watch out so you don't import a spammer too. If there's a contact you're not sure you know, then you're not going to miss it.

Now you're all set with a new email, clean and crisp. Here's two guidelines that will keep this one clear:

1. Do not make accounts on all websites you see. Some sell their database to spammers, some get hacked and get their databases sold to spammers. And you start over again. Do not provide your email address to any website that asks for it. If it won't grant you access otherwise, leave it.

2. Use your old over-spammed account if you really need to create accounts on dubious websites. That way, even if spam will ensue, it will happen over the already infested one.

Now not all websites are bent on spamming you. Some 'notification' emails have an unsubscribe option somewhere at the end of the message and you can unsubscribe successfully from their emailing list. Some will respect your decision. Some won't.

And not all websites are spam-based. But not all owners of websites afford top protection for their databases. If the website is not revenue-oriented, that means the owner pays for it by himself and one can't expect that to mean enormous sums. Hence, they are an easy target for database collectors. They get it, download the info and get out. Most of the time you don't even know there was a break-in. So don't necessarily blame the websites. Some can't help it.

NEVER answer to a spam mail. Even if you let them know you're wasting your time. The moment you reply to one you will be literally flooded.

Don't waste a lot of money on anti-spam software. The smarter the software, the smarter the scammer. Most get bypassed and they need constant update. Plus, it's my personal opinion that the geniuses behind the software are the geniuses behind spam. If there's no spam there's no need for software, right? What do you think?

Oana is an active user of Lacartes.com - a business network for people looking to connect with great products & services and discover the best products and services. Users can connect with friends and meet people with similar interests and share photos, updates, reviews and more. Oana regularly writes articles on topics such as beauty and health, food and travel, photography, she likes to give tips on different things that interested her. Come join us for FREE.

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