Email Predation

Email Predation Defined

Here are a few things to think about the next time you getr email from a stranger.

Physhing For Your Identity

Some predators use the Internet the same way that they might use the phone system. They send you email designed to entice you into bad deals, or to physh (fish) for personal information. Over the years, most people have learned to be wary of such phone calls, but the Internet is a new environment, causing some folks to drop their guard. This kind of physhing scheme can be very low-tech. An example is the Nigerian con. Physhing can also be very slick high-tech email - using spoofing to make the email look like an official bank message.

Verifying Email Address Lists

Good email spamming lists can sell for a lot of money. Good lists have few incorrect addresses. Better lists are targeted for certain customer types. When you answer a spam email with the "remove my address" link, you are helping the spammer to clean up his list by verifying that your address is correct. Your address can be sure to make it to many other lists that way.

Embedded Virus And Worms

There are ways to hide virus and worms in the email. These malware are normally used to take over your PC.