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/ Dealing with SPAM
Dealing with SPAM
Spam is defined as "unsolicited email". That is, email from some you do not know which has come to you. Often Spam is advertising a product, a website, or a get rich quick scheme.
Unfortunately SPAM is becoming an unwanted reality with the Internet. Spam increased an estimated 800% in 2002. Spam technologies have been developed which get around traditional technologies for blocking Spam.
Maxnet is continually working to improve our network email systems to block out Spam, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself from Spam and reduce the amount of Spam you receive.
· Your Maxnet account allows you 5 mailboxes and 5 email "aliases" per mailbox. Maxnet recommends you use one mailbox and alias for contact with family and friends, and another mailbox and alias which does not reveal your name or gender. Use this second one at any time you need to give out an email address on a web site. If you later find Spam coming in addressed to that alias, you can simply delete it and the Spam will go with it. NOTE: You can add and delete aliases in the Maxnet Members Centre: http://maxnet.co.nz/members - When you are filling in any online forms be sure to use an alias and look out for an "Opt In" box (which is almost always ticked by defualt). The Opt In box will usually say "Please send me future updates" and is often located where it will not be obvious to you.
- This form has then become a request from you to say that you want to be included on a mailing list, as well as to make use of their service. While technically not Spam (because you "requested" it), these are often unwelcome, so you may want to take the opportunity to un-tick this option on the form if it is presented.
Be careful to use an alias in messages to online forums or newsgroups. Some companies use 'harvest' programs to collect email addresses through these forums and compile lists which can them be used and sold for Spam.
If you find you are receiving Spam we advise you to NOT respond to offers to be removed from mailing lists if you reply. Many senders use software to randomly generate thousands of addresses and send email to them all in the hope they are valid. While some senders may honour your request to be removed, others will merely count your message as confirmation that yours is a valid address, and will continue to Spam you. Aside from this, even the senders who are willing to remove you are then entitled under the laws of some countries to sell your address to others.
Use the mail rules in and block senders lists provided with your email program.
Use programs that will protect you from SPAM, such as Mail Washer: www.mailwasher.net
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