Spam (electronic junk mail)

Spam is electronic 'junk mail'—unwanted messages sent to your email account or by SMS to your mobile phone.

Some messages promote products or services, while others attempt to trick users into providing bank account or credit card details. Many spam messages contain offensive or fraudulent material, and some spread computer viruses.

How do I know its spam?

Any message that doesn't meet the following three conditions is defined as spam: 

• Consent – the message must be sent with your consent 
• Identify – the message must contain accurate information about the person or organisation that authorised the sending of the message 
• Unsubscribe – the message must contain an 'unsubscribe' facility to allow you to opt out of receiving messages from that source.
  

If you are unsure if the offer is genuine search the text of the offer on the web as many spam emails can be identified this way.

Protect yourself against spam

• Speak to your internet service provider about spam filtering or purchase a spam filter for your email account. 
• Do not open suspicious or unsolicited emails (spam): delete them.
• Do not click on any links in a spam email, or open any files attached to them.
• Never call a telephone number that you see in a spam email or text message.
• NEVER reply to a spam email (even to unsubscribe).
• Never enter your personal, credit card or online account information on a website that you are not certain is genuine.
• Never email your personal, credit card or online account details.
• Use your commonsense: the offer may be a scam.
• Read all the terms and conditions of any offer very carefully: claims of free or very cheap offers often have hidden costs.
• Do not send any money or pay any fee to claim a prize or lottery winnings.
  

Spam and scams

Visit SCAMwatch to learn more about spam and scams.

Spam and the law

The Spam Act 2003 is administered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). If you would like to report or complain about spam, or obtain more information on spam laws, spam reduction, and internet security visit www.spam.acma.gov.au.

Where can I find more information on spam and protecting my computer?

Stay Smart Online
Stay Smart Online is an Australian Government website designed to help home users and small businesses. Visit http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au for lots of tips on securing your computer and how to stay safe online.