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May-June 2002 Home Page
E-Notes Home Page |
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Spam, Scams, and Junk Mail
Lori Briggs and Brian Reilly
Unsolicited Bulk Email (UBE), commonly referred to as “spam,” is the result of someone (a “spammer”) sending messages to a large list of e-mail addresses. Although these lists of e-mail addresses can be auto-generated, they are frequently obtained from advertisers, direct marketers, Web site forms, discussion lists, and other sources. Typical spam messages include pyramid schemes, advertisements, virus hoaxes, chain letters, and fraudulent business opportunities. One very common message offers an “Urgent Business Deal” involving the transfer of a large sum of money from Nigeria; this particular scam has been circulating in paper and electronic formats for years.
UIS supports the University's goal to encourage the innovative and creative use of information technologies in support of education and research. The University therefore does not censor or filter any Internet traffic based on content. As a result, the University cannot protect individuals against the existence or receipt of material that may be offensive to them. Those who make use of electronic communications are warned that they may come across or be recipients of material they find offensive.
What should you do if you receive spam or other problematic e-mail?
In most cases, you should not reply to the message or take other actions listed in the message to “unsubscribe.” This will confirm that yours is a valid e-mail address and you may find yourself receiving even more spam.
Next page—Don't pass the message along to your friends!
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