How to stop Spam Emails

Do you receive lots of junk email messages from people you don't know? It's no surprise if you do. As more people use email, marketers are increasingly using email messages to pitch their products and services. Some consumers find unsolicited commercial email - also known as "spam" - annoying and time consuming; others have lost money to bogus offers that arrived in their email in-box.

This website has information about the Federal Trade Commission's recent law enforcement actions against deceptive commercial email and spammers' responsibilities under the CAN-SPAM law. In the "For Consumers" section, you'll find tips on how to reduce the amount of spam email in your in-box.

If you get spam email that you think is deceptive, forward it to spam@uce.gov. The FTC uses the spam stored in this database to pursue law enforcement actions against people who send deceptive email.

For Consumers

After a Disaster: Spam May Scam  [HTML version]
Important information about spam scams consumers may encounter when trying to help victims of Hurricane Katrina

How Not to Get Hooked by a 'Phishing' Scam  [HTML 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?  [HTML version]
Informs home computer users that their computers may be used - without their knowledge - to send spam.

The "Nigerian" Scam: Costly Compassion  [HTML 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.

The Secrets of Mystery Shopping Revealed [HTML version]
Prospective mystery shoppers are targeted by illegitimate companies claiming resources for becoming a mystery shopper, selling false certification and charging for services that can otherwise be sought for free.

FTC's Chain Emails Website
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?  [HTML version]
Gives tips for limiting the amount of unsolicited commercial email you receive and provides guidance on reporting that spam.

How to Be the Class ‘Value-dictorian’  [HTML version]
Alerts students and recent graduates to important consumer protection tips.

Protecting Your Personal Information

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

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

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

For Business

SPAM Rules & Acts