March 27, 2012

Dealing with spam email

QUESTION

Kim, my husband was an avid listener to your program for years. Tragically, he passed away in December and I am lost without him in so many ways! He was a true computer buff and refused to ever let a problem stump him, but I stick to the basics. One question I have is about my husband's email account. He receives many messages from women with strange email addresses saying "Where are you?" and other questions asking about him. I found even more of these in his Junk folder. Naturally, this just destroys me. I do not open them ever, but still find it upsetting. Is there anything I can do? Thank you for any help you can give me. Best wishes!
-Jeanne of Port Orchard, WA, listens to my national radio show on KFQD 103.7 FM/750 AM.

ANSWER

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, Jeanne. Your question is proof that losing someone you love can change your life in ways big and small.

Those email messages must be tough for you to see, but you don't need to worry. Those "women" are really spammers and automated computer viruses that got your husband's email address sometime in the past.

It's good that you never open the email. Spammers send out email to millions of addresses without knowing who is out there.

Opening and replying to spam tells the spammers that you have an active account, and will increase the amount of spam you get. Some spam email also contains attachments that could put viruses on your computer.

Want to keep your inbox squeaky clean and free of spam? I will teach you how. >>

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