New Type of Spam Scam

A new form of scam spam has been making the rounds.

A user is sent a spam message including a link that allows them to opt-out of future messages. If they follow the link, a known security exploit is used to download and execute an .EXE file containing a Trojan.

The Trojan then turns their computer into a `spam zombie' - which the spammer then uses to send out further unwanted email. Many spam blocking efforts utilize lists of known spamming computers to determine which messages to block - this trick can foil those methods.

In addition to not being an effective way to block unwanted email - this scenario is just one more reason to not try to `unsubscribe' from spammer's lists. Typically they'll remove your address from one list - but anti-spam programs offer a good option to help minimize the amount of spam you receive. SpamButcher is available as a free antispam download from www.spambutcher.com.

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