Spam... that is, unsolicited email... is a rapidly growing problem.
Most spam is from strangers, but spam from friends is on
the rise,
too. By learning how to spot friendly spam (and teaching your friends), you'll
help to reduce it.
The Five Forms Of Friendly Spam
CHAIN LETTERS
Chain emails are the easiest friendly spam to spot. They offer reward or punishment in exchange for how you respond to them. The two most common chain email types are:
- Someone will give you money or merchandise if you forward this.
- People who didn't forward this had terrible luck afterwards.
Both are false.
To reimburse you for sending email, the company or individual would have to know the content of your letters and who you sent them to. However, email tracking without your permission is illegal because it would violate privacy laws. You can learn more here.
So far as the threat of bad luck goes, it's interesting how superstition works.
If you believe that something will change your luck, then every life
event becomes evidence to support your belief. In any group of
people, there will always be dramatic examples of both good and bad luck, chain
letter or not.
The best thing to do with an email chain letter is to delete it.
Next
Chapter:
urban Legends
