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Welcome to the FTC's site about SPAM email
page title - For Consumers
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FTC Spam Hot Topics

Spyware

FTC Assesses Reward System for Catching Spammers

FTC, NIST to Host E-mail Authentication Summit

Keep Your Email Address Unlisted: There Is No "National Do Not Email Registry"

How Not to Get Hooked by a ‘Phishing’ Scam

National Do Not Email Registry: A Report to Congress

The CAN-SPAM Act: Requirements for Commercial Emailers

Limiting Spam

Ready to Pop Your Top Over "Pop Up Spam"? Here's How to Make it Stop  [PDF version]
Here's How to Make it Stop Informs home computer users about how to stop Microsoft Windows Messenger pop up spam.

You've Got Spam: How to "Can" Unwanted Emails  [PDF version]
Provides tips to help reduce the amount of spam you receive.

Putting a Lid on Deceptive Spam  [PDF version]
Consumer Features Article

Spam Scams

How Not to Get Hooked by a 'Phishing' Scam  [PDF version]
Offers tips on how to avoid falling victim to a new type of spam scam in which consumers are deceived into handing over personal financial information.

Who's Spamming Who? Could it Be You?  [PDF version]
Informs home computer users that their computers may be used - without their knowledge - to send spam.

The "Nigerian" Scam: Costly Compassion  [PDF version]
Explains how the scam works — Supposed Nigerians politely promise big profits in exchange for help moving large sums of money out of their country — and what to do if you get an offer.

FTC's Chain Emails Page
Offers information about the FTC’s recent law enforcement actions against chain emailers and advice on how to handle chain email.

What's In Your In-box?  [PDF version]
Gives tips for limiting the amount of unsolicited commercial email you receive and provides guidance on reporting that spam.

Protecting Your Personal Information

Detect, Protect, Dis-infect: Consumers Online Face Wide Choices in Security Products [PDF version]
Explains differences in online security products – intrusion detection systems, firewalls and anti-virus software.

Email Address Harvesting: How Spammers Reap What You Sow  [PDF version]
Explains ways computer users can minimize the amount of spam they receive.

Is Someone "Phishing" for Your Information?  [PDF version]
Cautions consumers about emails that claim to be from government agencies in an attempt to steal personal information.
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