Tips on avoiding junk e-mail (spam)

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We got a message from a reader asking about how to avoid junk e-mail messages (spam) that are from senders with ordinary names and have ordinary subject headers—such as Hello, Microsoft Word, Just wanted to say hello, etc. The messages are usually computer generated and the subject matter is inappropriate or linking to inappropriate sites. The text, though, is worded so that it can pass security or spam filters.

Here are some good articles to help you start avoiding spam:

In addition, you can also take advantage of Microsoft SmartScreen integrated in all Microsoft e-mail platforms, including Microsoft Office Outlook 2007, MSN Hotmail, Windows Live Mail, and Windows Mail.

SmartScreen technology blocks more than 95% of the spam coming to your Inbox so that you get more of the e-mail you want to receive.

Safe Lists Only

The e-mail filters work great, but as good as it gets some spam—like the ones described by our reader—will occasionally get through. In those cases, I’ve found the best way to avoid spam is to allow only messages from Safe Lists. When you do that, only mail from people or domains that you have identified will be delivered to your Inbox. This could eliminate getting the type of computer-generated spam our reader described. It’s the strictest way to prevent spam, but it gives you the most control over the mail you receive.

Safe Senders list

Setting up your Safe Senders list can be a bit cumbersome, but once you do it’s worth it. When you meet someone or get involved in a new activity, you have to make sure you include the e-mail addresses to your Safe Senders list. For example, when my daughter started school we added her teacher's e-mail address so we could communicate with him online.

At Work

I can’t use a Safe List for my work address because I don’t want to block e-mail from potential clients or people from whom I have never received a message. So at work, I set the Junk E-mail Filter in Outlook on High. Learn how to use the Junk E-mail Filter in Outlook.

At Home

At home I use Windows Live Mail beta. There, I have my junk e-mail filter set to Exclusive, meaning I allow messages only from my contacts or allowed senders. It’s essentially the same thing as a Safe List. I’ve had my e-mail address for almost 10 years (it’s an old Hotmail address) and during that time I have unknowingly gotten on a lot of lists. If I don’t set the filter to Exclusive, I get a steady stream of embarrasing e-mail.

Image of Junk E-mail Filter

--Jason Kozleski