Spam on my Gmail accounts is a rare thing and so the flood of Salvation
letters this morning was a big surprise.  I've never even received the usual
Viagra spam at Gmail....

On Fri, Aug 1, 2008 at 2:18 PM, Thomas Jefferson Kitts <
thomas@thomaskitts.com> wrote:

> 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
>

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
Crescent Beach, BC
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27