Developer Forum

Whenever I get spam in any newsgroup, I "forward" it to the name in the
"complaints-to" field in the headers. I use Outlook Express for my newsreader,
so by default, I don't see all the headers. However, I can get them via the
"properties" pull-down option.

I have, however, noticed that I am now getting MORE "personal" spam to my email
address - in Russian - since I started complaining to the abuse email at ".rr".
This may or may not be related.

--
Bill Klein
wmklein <at> ix.netcom.com

"William M. Klein" < XXXX@XXXXX.COM > wrote


I would suggest not doing this. Any response is used to confirm that
yours is an active EMail address that gets on the 'top grade' list for
selling on CD roms of EMail addresses. It is most unlikely that it is
an actual 'complaints' department, just a spoofed alternate response
address.

Do not complain, do not bounce, never double bounce. These just
confirm your address is valid and add to the problem.


I would suggest not doing this. I would suggest not using Outlook
Express for anything. It is the prime target for spam and spyware and
viruses, not because it is popular (in the sense of high population)
but simply because it makes the attacks so easy. In some cases it is
unnecessary to open an attachment, merely clicking on the mail item
(which is required in order to delete it) can infect the machine.


The headers can be all spoofed, there is nothing useful there.


It is most likely that is is related. If not because you responded,
then because looking at the message passed a spyware or virus or
'owned' your machine.

It is estimated that 60% of the spam actually originates on 'dumb
user' Windows machines that now run a spam generator which the user is
completely unaware of. These machines can be driven by their 'owners'
in Russia.

In fact the problem is so bad that there is a trade in lists of
'owned' machines. You may be on those lists.

If you have to use Windows then do not use Outlook Express or Outlook,
do not use Internet Explorer. Get the latest Netscape or Mozilla or
Opera. Run Ad-Aware and Spybot on a regular basis, have a permanent
virus checker, never respond to or bounce spam.

On 6 Sep 2004 19:40:03 -0700, XXXX@XXXXX.COM (Richard)
enlightened us:


I second Richard's suggestions. All are very good and, if you are
serious about keeping your Windows box clean, should be followed.

Regards,

////
(o o)
-oOO--(_)--OOo-


"What is the difference between a taxidermist
and a tax collector? The taxidermist takes
only your skin."
-- Mark Twain
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Remove nospam to email me.

Steve