Be Careful Who You Give Your Email to Offline

With the rising popularity of the internet, countless physical companies now ask for you email address when filling out forms. They can then use your email address to keep you in the loop about upcoming special offers and opportunities. Wait, that sounds a lot like spam.

My spam filter program is still picking up dozens of junk messages that are most likely the result of a job fair form I filled out around three years ago. They claim they're notifying me about important upcoming opportunities to network with professionals in my field (whatever that happens to be). I had to give an email address for them to let me into the fair.

Now I usually give out a fake address unless I really want them to contact me. The best way to stop unwanted messages is not to give out your address in the first place. If it's too late, this site offers an excellent spam fighter application available for a free 21-day trial.

Every company thinks their email offer is different, that they're reaching out to their previously existing customer base with important information. In reality, I think a lot companies people deal with are seen as kind of disposable.

Do you really want to get notified that Jim's Rent-a-Car you used on vacation in Florida is now offering a 20% discount to seniors? Unless you do, don't give them your email address.

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