GeneralFAQ:SPAM

From Greenview Wiki

What is Spam?

Spam is defined as unsolicited email. If the sending party does not have any affiliation with you, then it is safe to consider the email as spam. Spam exists in many forms. On one side of the spectrum spam is relatively benign, where the sender is trying to sell you some product or gimmic (ie: weightloss, get rich quick schemes, super health products, etc.). Those types of spam are usually classified as "offer spam." On the darker side of the spectrum, the criminal will attempt to acquire your personal information. The usual motivation for this is identity fraud.

Types of Spam

• Nigerian 419 Scams - "I need your help to move millions of dollars from who knows where, to your country."
• Phishing Scams - Methods where the victim is tricked into divulging personal and/or financial information.
• Directory Harvesting Attack - Dirty trick spammers use to figure out what addresses exist at a particular domain.
• Malware - A broad term referring to a malicious program designed to take control or harm your computer.
• Offer Spam - Same as the junk mail advertisements sent to you through the United States Post Office.
• Meds Spam - Advertisements for male enhancement, narcotic meds, prescription drugs with no prescription, etc.

There are several other classifications for spam, the ones listed above are the most common forms.