SPAM refers to unsolicited emails or junk mail that are sent to a large group of people without their consent or willingness to receive them. These emails are usually promotional, advertising fake products or services, which can be troublesome for the receiver.
Email filters have been created to identify and automatically delete spam emails. Email filters use algorithms that analyze incoming emails’ content and subject lines, and if they match specific criteria, they are flagged as spam.
People send spam because it costs very little to distribute to a large number of recipients. Some spammers use it as a way to promote their business or product, while others use it for malicious purposes like phishing and spreading malware.
The best way to stop receiving spam is by unsubscribing from newsletters you don’t want to receive anymore. Also, creating an opt-in list is beneficial since you will only receive emails from companies that you have agreed upon.
An opt-in list is a list of people who have agreed to receive information about a particular topic or product from a company. Opt-in lists are generally more effective than sending bulk emails because they target people who are interested in what the company has to offer.
The CAN-SPAM Act was introduced in 2003 as an attempt to regulate the sending of commercial emails. It sets guidelines for sending commercial emails, including labeling requirements and unsubscribe options.
Businesses that use spamming tactics usually experience negative consequences like low email open rates and high unsubscribe rates. Moreover, if caught violating CAN-SPAM regulations, businesses could face penalties up to $16,000 per email.