Webmail / HTML email breeds spam

Much of the spam sent these days is sent as HTML format - this is by design!

Spammers embed unique CGI codes in graphics within the page / email you view - just by viewing the email you are effectively confirming your email address is valid and will cause you to receive more spam!

If you use webmail this is largely unavoidable but some web based email programs have the option to disable embedded CGI - unfortunately this does not solve the problem entirely as spammers can use unique filenames for graphics on the page instead.

If you use a normal email program they normally have the option to turn off previewing of HTML emails - we would recommend you do this!

To turn off viewing HTML emails in Outlook Express:

• Select 'Tools' menu then 'Options'
• Click on the 'Read' tab
• Select 'Read all messages in plain text'
• Click 'Ok'

If you do receive a (non-spam) HTML email you need to view you can select 'View' then 'Message in HTML' or use the shortcut: Alt-Shift-H

(Will add details for other email programs soon!)