Ten tips to reduce junk mail in Outlook

[Joshua]

Follow these recommendations to reduce the risk of receiving spam mails.

1. Reaping the Benefits of Junk Mail Filter in Microsoft Office Outlook 2007. Office Outlook 2007 helps you reduce the problems caused by spam with its Junk Email Filter, Which automatically scans incoming messages and sends those considered junk to the Junk folder.

2. Block images that spammers use as Web beacons in their HTML messages.
Office Outlook 2007 also includes an additional anti-spam function. All automatic download of images and other external content in messages when content is linked to a server are blocked, by default. When this feature is not activated and you open a message associated with external content, it will automatically download and the server checks without your knowledge if your address is correct. The latter can then be sold to spammers. You can unblock external content (eg.: Images) if you think the message is from a trusted source.

3. Disabling read receipts, acknowledgments of delivery and automatic processing of meeting requests.
Sometimes spammers are resorting to sending meeting requests and messages with read receipts or acknowledgments. In responding to meeting requests, you can help them verify your email address. You can disable this function. However, the automatic processing of meeting requests, read receipts and delivery reports are useful features that you should not be afraid to use within an enterprise network secure.

Note: Only the server administrator can disable mail delivery reports.

Disabling read receipts

1. In the Tools menu, click Options.
2. Click Mail Options.
3. Click Tracking Options.
4. Under Use this option to decide how to respond to requests for read receipts. Applies only to Internet Mail accounts, click Never send a response.

Disable the automatic acceptance of meeting requests

1. In Outlook, on the Tools menu, click Options, click Calendar Options.
2. Under Advanced options, click Resource Scheduling.
3. Uncheck the box next to Automatically accept meeting requests and process cancellations.

4. Avoid publishing your email address.
Beware of publishing your email address on public Web sites, such as newsgroups, chat rooms, bulletin boards, etc.. When you visit public sites, it is preferable not to use your primary email address. Remove it from your personal website. If you made it directly or as a link, you can expect to receive spam.

5. See the privacy statements of Web sites.
When you register on a site for banking or online purchases and to receive newsletters, carefully check the privacy statement before you enter your email address or other personal information. Look for a link or section (usually at the bottom of the homepage of the website) entitled "Privacy Statement", "Terms and Conditions" or "Terms of Use". If the website does not explain how your personal information will be used, think twice before using this service.

[Joshua]

6. Take care to check boxes that is already checked / activated.
When you shop online, companies sometimes add a check box which is already checked to indicate that you agree that your email address to be sold or shared with other companies (or "third party"). Clear this check box so that your e-mail address is not shared.

7. Refrain from responding to spam.
Never respond even to cancel a subscription, unless you know the sender and to trust him, for example: when the message comes from a service, an online store or a newsletter which you just register. By responding to spam, you confirm the validity of your email address.

8. If a company uses e-mail asking you for personal information, do not respond by sending a message.
Most legitimate companies do not request personal information via email. Be wary if they do. It may be a message intended to usurp to impersonate a legitimate message. This tactic is called "phishing". If the spam comes from a company with which you deal with - for example, your credit card company - call it, but do not use a phone number provided in the email. Use a number you'll find yourself using the directory, a bank statement or invoice. If this is a legitimate request, the representative of the customer service the company should be able to help. The spam filter also includes a Protection against phishing that helps you identify and disable suspicious messages.

9. Do not contribute to a charity from a request by email.
Unfortunately, some spammers prey on your generosity. If you receive a claim for contribution to a charity by email, treat it as spam. If it is a piece you want to support, locate their telephone number or website to find out how you can donate.

10. Do not forward chain emails.
In addition to increased volume of electronic messages, transfer of such a message can spread a hoax and you lose control of the distribution of your email address.