Description
In the language of the Internet, spam is synonymous for junk mail and those who post it are spammers. A
spammer's work can be found in cross-posted, off-topic newsgroup messages or in unsolicited mass e-mailings. The
typical spam message promises to quickly make you a millionaire, or sell you merchandise at bargain prices.
Besides being annoying, spam can waste bandwidth, which is the Internet's most precious resource. But there are
steps you can take to help eliminate spam from your online diet. Here are a few of the most frequently asked
questions and answers about spam, along with links for further information.
How did they get my e-mail ID?
While TNS.net does not sell, trade, or give away customer information to other individuals or companies,
spammers may still be able to obtain your e-mail ID. One method is to analyze all of the messages posted on
newsgroups to 'harvest' IDs. Spammers can also simply submit queries to existing online directories, or use a
host of other tricks.
What can I do about spam if I receive it?
You could just delete the message and ignore it. You can also complain to the sender's Internet Service Provider
(ISP). Only the sender's ISP can take action against the sender. Please note that spamming violates the terms
and conditions of your TNS.net Service.
You can also set up your e-mail software to filter messages originating from certain IDs, or use our free e-mail
screener to do so. Keep in mind, however, that many spammers constantly change their e-mail ID.
How do I file a complaint?
If you choose to file a complaint with TNS.net, or any other ISP, forward the original message and all headers
so the ISP can identify the spammer.
If you believe the sender to be a member of TNS.net, please use your e-mail to forward the message and headers
to abuse@tns.net.
If the sender is not a TNS.net member, use your e-mail to forward the message and headers to the appropriate
administrator of the sender's network. For example, if you receive spam from name@sample.com, then send your
notice to abuse@sample.com.
What does TNS.net do about controlling SPAM?
Terracom has an extremely agressive policy reguarding SPAM and other types of unsolicited commercial email.
We have a system in place that prepends the Subject: line of suspected spam email with the following -
*****SPAM*****. This creates an easy and effective way to positivly identify potential SPAM in your inbox.
This mechanism makes it easy to filter your email to remove SPAM and copy it into a dedicated folder for later
review.
Should I reply to the spammer myself?
Spammers may request a reply if you do not want to receive any more solicitations. This can be tempting, but
it's usually a bad idea: Your reply can be used to verify that the spam worked and note that your e-mail ID is
valid.
Isn't spam illegal?
There are no clear-cut laws on the method's legality. However, some spam may be illegal because of its content
(such as child pornography, get-rich-quick pyramid or Ponzi schemes, etc.) This may also depend on local
laws.
We appreciate your concern and the time you expend to report occurrences of abuse, as we also wish to remove
spammers from the Internet.
Note: Other methods spammers may use to find your e-mail address include certain types of Active-X controls or
unconventional Java programs. These programs are designed to seek your e-mail information. Having an updated Web
browser will allow you to avoid potential security problems.