What is Spam?
It's the junk email in your electronic mailbox. When you receive unsolicited, bulk, commercial electronic mail, you have received Spam. Not only do you now have to take the time to clean it from your mailbox, but it is taking up precious space on our network servers. Worse yet, some people use Spam to commit fraud by sending thousands of emails to unsuspecting persons. These frauds are often password and credit card stealers that direct you to a seemingly authentic web site that is soliciting your user name, password, and often times a credit card number along with personal information.
How do spammers get my address?
There are many sources for email marketers to obtain your email address, such as newsgroups you have posted messages to. Or an internet business site may ask you for your e-mail address, which is then shared with others. If your email address is listed on any web site, no matter how obscure, chances are it can be obtained by software designed for that purpose.
How can I prevent Spam?
Never respond to it. Once you do, a spammer knows they have a legitimate e-mail address.
If you have one, learn how to use the filtering mechanism in your e-mail software.