Date:         Fri, 1 Aug 2008 14:18:31 -0700
Reply-To:     Thomas Jefferson Kitts <thomas@THOMASKITTS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Thomas Jefferson Kitts <thomas@THOMASKITTS.COM>
Subject:      ...Spam (Off-topic)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

Just a word of advice from an anti-spammer.

If you can reasonable determine the message you have received is spam
then don't open it. Toss it without doing so. Different email apps
offer different ways of doing this.

Much bot spam (HTML based) is sent out containing a link back to
another server. And when you open it, it initiates a call to load a
tiny graphic to into the message you just opened. (Commonly, a single
white pixel invisible to you.) Once your email has been confirmed as
being live your addy becomes a sellable commodity. Then the flood
starts pouring in.

There are other ways of verifying a live email addy as well, but you
get the idea.

Best defense is a good defense. Meaning a good set of filters beyond
what is usually offered in the email app or by your ISP.

-----

Oh, and does anyone on this list want to help me help a Nigerian
General get some millions out of his country? All I need is your SSN
and DOB . . . -grin-

regards,

Thomas