I probably get close to 100 of those per day in my Verizon user account.
I use a little program called popman to sort of preview and delete them directly from the verizon email server before downloading regular mail.

Thanks, Mikie. I'll see if I can use Popman. I wonder if it does any good to block and/or bounce these emails? I think someone said it's better to delete them but not sure.

Just delete them. The return address's are mostly fake anyhow. Bouncing just eats up yours, your isp, and others electricity a second time.

RT,

Not all but the vast majority of spam is the fault of we users. Our e-mail addresses are carelessly used by signing up at websites or regisrering for "free" items or services, unsolicited e-mails are opened which confirm to the "sender" that the address is valid, and we communicate with irresponsible people who use forwards and maintain unprotected addressbooks subject to viruses.

Nothing is 100% but if you wish to reduce the amount of spam you receive never openly post your address on the Internet. Create an on-line account with Yahoo, Hotmail, etc. for registering on sites or for free items and services. Never open unsolicited e-mail and never notify a sender to "remove you from a list". Finally, don't open e-mail that has been forwarded.

DA

That's interesting, Damccoy. I didn't know about never asking to be removed from their lists and email that has been forwarded.

Also, why do they use those mixed up non words in the emails? I wonder is it actual persons sending these or a computer selecting random email addresses?

RT,

The "mixed up words" as you refer to are an attempt by the sender to avoid/confuse spam filters and at times it is used to hide malicious content.

One thing I want to be clear on. If you are on a mailing list from a brick and mortar store, i.e. Best Buy, or an on-line service that you use, i.e. Amazon.com, it is normally safe to ask to be rermoved from their mailing lists. My original post is to e-mails that mysteriously appear in your mailbox regardless of where they are from. Ignore them and delete them without opening.

In my personal use, I have an ISP address which is used only with TRUSTED family and my investment companies. I have a Hotmail account for forums, and registering computer software and services. I have a second Hotmail account for day-to-day issues like on-line shopping, air travel, and communicating with businesses. I have a Yahoo acount for signing up at sites and registering products. This protocol may be excessive, but it works for me. My "main" accounts, the ISP and the day-to-day, are literally spam free.

You give me the impression of being new to computing. May I ask, are you aware of the concept of phishing?

DA

Hi,i was listening at the back door.

I'm new,what is "phishing"

Thanks,Carol

I have found going to Yahoo and setting up an account just for registrations to be very useful. One can make folders and sort the registrations one wants to keep.

Yahoo's spam filters have been good to me too.

No, Damccoy, I have heard of the word "phishing" but not sure what it means. It's not good, I'm sure.

That is a good idea to have different email accounts for registrations, etc. Thanks.

Phishing is when your bank, stockbroker or credit card company sends you an email and needs a bit a info and you click a link to go to their site and login, and maybe give your Social Security number.
...You've just given your account login/password, maybe some personal information to some crook & won't even know it. For a while.

After all it was your bank,, stockbroker, your mastercharge, etc.

The link below is the definitiion of phishing that I like to share.

To protect yourself, when you have time type in phishing on Google. Of the numerous entries llook for ones originating from sources you are aware of and respect. They will offer you a spectrum of explanations, answers, and how to protect yourself from the vermin behind the scams.

The bottom lines from DA:

If it sounds too good to be true it is.

When in doubt don't.

NEVER, EVER give personal information of any type over the Internet or on an e-mail. NOT even to a source you recognize or deal with. Call them on the telephone first to verify the legitimacy.

DA

Here is a link that might be useful: Webopedia