Here's why it's often not enough to have one simple security guideline for dealing with SPAMMERS, SCAMMERS and PHISHERS. I always say to turn off "Automatic Image Loading" in your email account. This is because as soon as you load the image, it sends a request to the sender that tells them your email account is valid, and that you read their messages.

So What?

If they know your account is active, they will put it on a PREMIUM spam list that they can sell to others because it has been recently validated. This probably means you will get a fresh new wave of spam in the near future.

However, as people turn off image loading, now the SPAMMERS are countering that defence by creating emails that simply ask you to "Please confirm that you know Audrey Woijcik-Sharpley" (apparently sent from reunion.com) - they think you might want to reconnect with somebody you probably didn't remember anyway.

Watch out for compelling YES or NO choice buttons or links in unexpected email messages.

They give you a choice of two buttons, which can be done without you loading images from the message, if you view messages in HTML format. But as soon as you click on either button, they can once again tell that your account is valid.

DON"T CLICK THAT BUTTON!