Dummy Email Addresses
As you are aware, whenever you fill out a form on the internet to request information or subscribe to a free newsletter, you are asked for your email address. But did you know many of these sites sell this information on?
No, but so what?
Well, ever wondered were all your junk mail comes from?
Many internet sites are passing your details on which are then used to build mailing lists. These mailing lists are often bought by companies who then send their unsolicited information to you. Most of this is in the form of spam, phishing scams and junk mail. There are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening and reduce junk.
Major sites always ask if you would like further information sent about their products. Ticking the box will give them permission and they may then pass/sell your address on to others, so choose wisely. Be careful here also, as some word the sentence so you think you are saying ‘no thank you’ when you tick the box, but you are actually saying ‘yes please’.
A lot of sites have started to separate the information request choices and as well as the above may ask if you would like information sent from other ‘Third Party’ companies. Again, read the sentence carefully and make your choice accordingly. The site may give guarantees on the Third Party, but honestly they cannot check this. So even if the site you visited does not sell your details, the Third Party may still do so.
Another good way of keeping your personal mail box free (or reduced) from junk is to have two addresses. One as your personal and private mail address while the other is one of the free internet mail services. Whenever you fill out a form on the internet and you are unsure of the validity of the company, use the free mail account. Only give your personal email address to friends and clients you can trust.
If you are a business, also think of other ways to display your email address on your company website. Many Internet Bots can easily read text versions within web pages, so an image may work better.
