How can you tell a message is Spam?

There are several indications that can help you determine whether a message is spam, although you can never be 100% that something isn't spam.

Here are some guidelines that might help you:

- is the message sent directly to you? If your address appears in the To field, it is less likely to be spam. Most spammers mask the addresses they send their messages to.

- Is the message from a well-known company or organization, possibly one you are affiliated with? Then it is more likely not to be spam. If you receive a message from a Bank that you have no business with, you should be careful.

- Does the message indicate the email address that you are subscribed with?

- Does the message tell you where you signed up and agreed to receive the messages?

- Is your real name used in the body of the message?

- Are you given a web link or a specific email address to unsubscribe? (Note: Never reply to a message you believe may be spam. This will only confirm to the spammer they have targeted a valid email address.). Also be careful when clicking on a link. It is safer to copy the link into a new browser window.

- Can you enter the domain (or a slight variation of) of the sender into a web browser and open the page of a legitimate business? For example, a message from the sender gwmag@novell.com, novell.com could be copied and pasted into a browser and you'll be taken to Novell's home page.