Spam, spam, spam...

• What is spam? 
• Spam emails and scams
• Why do we still receive spam?
• What can consumers and businesses do to protect themselves?
• The Australian Spam Act and where to report spam

What is spam? 

Spam emails are a type of 'electronic junk mail'. These types of emails typically contain get-rich-quick cons, bogus lottery wins, Nigerian scams, miracle cures, pornography, offers of restricted drugs like Viagra, loans and fake watches.

Some spam is related to illegal activity.

Spam emails and scams

Many scams are promoted through spam emails. The ACCC’s SCAMwatch website lists the most common scams that target consumers and small businesses.
You can report suspected scams to the ACCC and other government agencies through the “Report a scam” page on the SCAMwatch website or by calling the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502 or the Small Business Helpline on 1300 302 021.

Why do we still receive spam?

Spam is lucrative because it is a numbers game. If five out of 1000 people respond by falling for the scam, it is worth the trouble of sending the bulk email. It costs very little. 

Despite consumer education and reports in the media, people are still being conned by Nigerian scams, phishing emails and lottery scams. 

What can consumers and businesses do to protect themselves?

If you regularly use the internet, in particular for online transactions and/or receive a lot of spam - computer protection is the key:

1. Discuss your computer protection needs with a software specialist or someone who can provide knowledgeable advice.
2. Keep all firewall and anti-virus protection up to date.
3. Always install any patches or security updates that are required for your computer's operating system.
4. Use a spam filter.
5. Do not open emails from addresses you do not recognise.
6. Remember that financial institutions usually do not send emails—if you are unsure contact the bank or go to their website. Do not use any information in the email.
7. Do not follow any links in spam emails.
8. Delete the email.

Never reply to spam emails—even if you are tempted to 'teach them a lesson' or 'give them a piece of your mind'

If you do, this will take you from your current status as one email address on a long list, to a confirmed active email account that will respond to unsolicited emails. Offers to 'unsubscribe' cannot be relied upon—hit 'delete'.

Do not follow the links in unsolicited emails—you could become a victim of spyware/malware

If you do, you could have personal information such as banking details sent to a scammer, or your computer could be 'zombied' and be used to send out more spam.

The Australian Spam Act and where to report spam

The Spam Act 2003—came into affect on 10 April 2004. Under the Spam Act it is illegal to send, or cause to be sent, 'unsolicited commercial electronic messages' that have an Australian link.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority is the Commonwealth Government body that enforces the Spam Act.

For more information about spam laws, advice to business and consumers, spam security tips and where to report spam go to: the Australian Communications and Media Authority website www.acma.gov.au and follow the consumer/spam link (or search for ACMA in our Consumer & business directory on the left hand side of this page).

For other information on spam go the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts site www.dcita.gov.au and follow the information economy/spam link (or search for DCITA in our Consumer & business directory on the left hand side of this page).