What is spam? How did spammers get my e-mail address? What is SpamScope? How does SpamScope work? What happens to the e-mail SpamScope filters out? What do SpamScope scores mean? What happens if SpamScope filters out a message I want? Why am I still getting spam? Will someone read my e-mail through SpamScope? Does SpamScope eliminate viruses? Do I have to use SpamScope? Can I use SpamScope with all of my e-mail addresses? What is spam? Spam is Web-speak for junk mail. Examples include unsolicited messages, advertisements, chain letters, and hoaxes. Return to Top How did spammers get my e-mail address? Spammers compile mailing lists by scanning discussion groups and Web sites, buying a mailing list, or randomly guessing your e-mail address. Return to Top What is SpamScope? SpamScope was developed for our members as a free service to help minimize the junk mail in your inbox. Return to Top How does SpamScope work? SpamScope determines if an e-mail is spam by looking for characteristics that are common in junk messages. Next, SpamScope assigns the e-mail a score based on the probability that the message is in fact spam. You can adjust SpamScope's filtering strength to meet your needs. Plus, you can blacklist specific senders that spam you or ensure that messages from friends and family always get through to you--regardless of the score SpamScope gives them. SpamScope also frees up space in your mailbox that's otherwise cluttered up with spam by converting large graphic e-mails into text messages. Return to Top What happens to the e-mail SpamScope filters out? SpamScope lets you decide the fate of your spam. You can continue to receive spam in your inbox as usual, tell SpamScope to add a "Possible Spam" warning in the subject line, move spam to a folder in Webmail to view later, or delete it permanently. If you choose to move your junk messages and view them later, SpamScope instantly creates a folder for you in Webmail called "spam." To view these messages, visit our Webmail page and use the drop-down menu in the upper right-hand corner to open your spam folder. SpamScope saves a message I want? If you suspect that SpamScope is filtering out messages you want to receive, adjust SpamScope's strength by one or two points to give you "less protection" against spam. Also, make sure your spam is delivered to your inbox or moved to your spam folder until you're sure SpamScope is meeting your needs. Return to Top Do I have to use SpamScope? No. SpamScope is offered as a free service that's included with your account, but you can enable or disable SpamScope at any time. The choice is yours. Return to Top Can I use SpamScope with all of my e-mail addresses? Yes. If you have multiple e-mail addresses, you can use SpamScope with any or all of them--it's up to you! To set up each e-mail account the way you want, simply login with your username and password for the account you want to protect from spam, and follow the directions. It's that easy! Return to Top