Date:         Thu, 27 Mar 2003 14:56:38 -0800
Reply-To:     "James V." <tornadored@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "James V." <tornadored@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: Convoluted, Depraved hacker
In-Reply-To:  <20030327.161236.280.19.wilden1@juno.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

On 3/27/03 1:49 PM, "Stan Wilder" <wilden1@JUNO.COM> wrote:

> I just wanted to let those whose addresses were used that someone was
> sending junk in their name.
> Often it doesn't even come from their server.

Yeah, I think what is happening is that the infected computer sends out
emails as if they were from another person.  The infected computer harvests
the addresses from an onboard email program.  So, the "sender" may not
actually be to blame.

There is usually a preference/option in your mail program which allows you
to see the "details" in an email message, such as the sender's domain or IP
address.  This let's you see where it actually originated, rather than
simply what is displayed in the "from" field.  In Outlook, for example,
click on the email message, then select FILE > PROPERTIES > DETAILS.

If you look at that "Funny Lady" post a few days ago that was seeemingly
from BenT, you'll notice in the "details," that it actually originated
somewhere else (compare it to one of his real emails).  I think BenT
addressed this.

Anyway, a recipient easily mistakes such email as legit, since they
seemingly recognize the sender.  Then they open the attachments to try and
make sense of the nonsensical email... Bad things happen.

This was a problem for me a few months ago.  My sister sent a large group
email out to family/friends.  A few weeks later I was receiving all sorts of
random emails "from" people that were in that group.  They received them
"from" me as well.  But I know my computer was clean, as I scanned for
viruses...and have a Mac.

So, I think all you can do is don't open the attachments, and delete the
emails.  Then tell your contacts to VIRUS CHECK.

James
90 Carat