Using Google to stop spam
Most DTL users get little to no spam. I personally might receive two or three junk messages in a month. So it surprises me when I hear that someone is receiving unwanted email. Despite all our spam-fighting safeguards, a few of you may be getting picked on, and that irks me into action.
While looking into this, I discovered an interesting fact that might shock you. I am about to reveal a simple test to determine your chances of being spammed. It’s so easy, you probably already know how to do it …
I want you to Google yourself.
No, not using your first and last name. Instead, put in your email address. In fact, search on all your email addresses, including your company’s “info”, “sales”, and “webmaster” addresses, too. Go ahead and try it now.
If no documents are found, congratulations! Your chances of being spammed are slim. (Do a touchdown dance and some well-deserved fist pumping.) My current email address isn’t found anywhere, fortunately. But it wasn’t always that way.
A history lesson. My original Internet address, mdavis@cts.com, was created way back in 1987. A Google search reveals 141 sites where it is referenced. In decades passed, we didn’t have to worry about email addresses leaking into public spaces online. With spammers scanning the web to abuse any address they can grab, I finally had to give up my cyber identity after 16 years.
If your search reveals that your address is being exposed, you can count on unsolicited email. Without exception, people who get spam can find their addresses on at least one web site. It will likely get worse as the spammers get more clever at finding ways around spam filters. So, this is what you need to do right now:
Remove your addresses from the web.
If you think this is unreasonable, relax. Your address can still appear on the web without being detected by spambots. If you think it is impossible, have faith. There’s always a solution.
Start by contacting the owners of the sites that are pimping your address and ask to have it removed or encrypted. That prevents new spammers from getting your address. Those that already have it will eventually be caught or blocked.
Important! If you own a web site and publish email addresses without protecting them, shame on you. You are causing grief for others by giving their addresses to spammers.
You can be virtually spam-free this year (or at least reduce the annoyance). If you need assistance, just ask.
