Public Posting

When signing up for one of the many free email addresses that are out there, many people decides to add themselves to the public profile list that the email provider offers. Generally, you leave your basic information and screen name. However, what you rarely notice is that you also leave your contact information as well.

Someone that has little else to do with their time can easily search through public profiles and get your email address at will. The common user will take this information in order to have a chat with someone that shares their interest, but a person that wishes to send you spam can also contact you whenever they want.

In general, you will want to avoid filling out any forms that require you to give out personal information like that. You should always read the company’s privacy policy as well. I know they can be a bit long winded, but true spammers want it that way because they depend on your not reading it. This is how they sneak in the fact that they plan on sharing your information with other companies, if in fact they do.