What's the best way to stop spam?

[jeana]

Hey Folks,

Besides the usual trick of getting another email address to feed to potential spammers (when you make online purchases, enter contests, etc) what methods have you found to escape spam?

To reduce telemarketing calls, we have the option of writing to:

Telephone Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 9014
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014

and requesting that our names be put on a list of people who do not want to receive unsolicited telephone sales calls. Complete name, address, and phone number must be included. Does a similar service exist yet for email?

I'm tired of those mails that claim not to be spam because a method of removal supposedly exists. Even though I immediately ask for removal, I have a feeling that my address is being sold from list to list.

Grrr,
jeana

P.S. For people who'd like some reduction of their mail and phone advertisements, check out http://www.the-dma.org/
Unfortunately they don't have e-mail versions of their "Do Not Phone" and "Do Not Send Mail To" lists.

[This message has been edited by jeana (edited 10-10-99).]

[This message has been edited by jeana (edited 10-10-99).]

[johnpaul]

The only way to deal with spam is to ignore it. Don't try to 'unubscribe,' or remove your name, simply ignore it.

JP

[Apostle 83]

I would have to agree w/john paul. Most of the time, as soon as you are taken off one list, you ARE put on another. I believe thats illegal, but how can you enforce a law like that?

[Andre]

In Outlook Express 5 there is a feature, that can ignore a all mail from one mailaddress. Might be hard work, but if you do every time you get something junk it will work.

[socalgal]

Earthlink. Since they've been my ISP, I have received NOT ONE piece of spam. They have a very effective filtering system.

[U-96]

a) don't open the tin!!!!
b) a postal address, jerrycan of petrol, and a Zippo
c) use bill.gates@microsoft.com. That'll stop it.

[jeana]

Thanks for your input so far...

Alas, I think that this flood of spam began after I signed up for that free NIC! I knew I should have been more careful. A veritable Trojan Horse.

Anyway, I also found this site with anti-spam links:
http://www.privacyrights.org/FS/fs20-spam.htm

However, I don't see any easy way of cutting off the flow now that it's started. Everything I've seen so far involves hunting down the true ISP of the spammer... a hunt for which I lack time and inclination. Also, filtering each spammer address by address seems a hopeless task. Well, when I get around to it I may just have to ask my ISP for a new address... sigh.

[dan_jf]

Its very difficult (Some say impossible) to prevent spam....

Even if you don't give out your email address to anyone you can still end up on a spammers list. They often send out emails to random names @ your domain, so you can still end up receiving spam.

Tracking down the sender of a message is pointless too... it just wastes more of your time (Which could be costing you money!).

I use www.clearmymail.com, they block all spam and virus emails before they are downloaded onto my computer... seems to be one of the best solutions available at the moment. I did try others but had a problem with losing legit email, which so far (Fingures crossed) I haven't had a problem with Clearmymail. Good to have that extra level of virus protection too.

Hope you manage to sort out your spam problem!

Dan

[MJCfromCT]

Welcome to SysOpt, dan_jf...

Usually, if a thread started in 1999, we don't post something new in it. Let the old threads die. ;) :)

[dajogejr]

Wow...I think this might win the award for oldest resurrected thread....

[Sterling_Aug]

There are several easy ways to stop/reduce spam:

1.) Unplug all external connections to the phone line, cable m\odem, DSL, wireless ethernet. Not very practical.

2.) Add a custom HOSTS file. I found this one today:

http://everythingisnt.com/hosts

3.) Add several layers of anti-virus and anti-spyware to each system on your network.

[mireland]

There are several easy ways to stop/reduce spam:

1.) Unplug all external connections to the phone line, cable m\odem, DSL, wireless ethernet. Not very practical.

2.) Add a custom HOSTS file. I found this one today:

http://everythingisnt.com/hosts

3.) Add several layers of anti-virus and anti-spyware to each system on your network.


and 4.) stop surfing porn... :D

[Baddog]

Hit the iggy (ignore button) on JM and Mireland, :D :t

[Sterling_Aug]

Don't ever threaten to take away the porn from a red blooded American.....or any red blooded male of any race for that matter (and quite a few red blodded females too)!!!

[mireland]

Hit the iggy (ignore button) on JM and Mireland, :D :t


I'd swat you with a rolled up newspaper if I had one...http://www.fancysplace.com/smileys/gooft.gif

[_Mystical_Night]

The only way to deal with spam is to ignore it. Don't try to 'unubscribe,' or remove your name, simply ignore it.

JP

Yeah I notice that when you unsubscribe 2 more new spams or more take its place lol ... the only sure way to deal with spam is make an email address that isnt a common name and only share that email with ppl you trust not to spam you, and never reveal your email to the public

[orkboss]

Its like grey hairs, right older members ;) .

[cdroman]

This thread sure has gray hair.:) The summer slow down has caused the trolls to come out.

[orkboss]

I was not going to say anything.

[mireland]

:r