Jim Morgan's Wood Profits Spam

Nick C

Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2011
Messages
157
About six months ago I began getting spam emails from an outfit called "Jim Morgan's Wood Profits." Typical e-scam: "Buy our book, CD, and services and you'll make big $$$!" Replete with testimonials, of course. The problem is, this is the most aggressive and persistent spam I have ever had to deal with. At least 4 or 5 PER DAY! Spam filters don't work. Blocked senders list doesn't work. My IT manager says tells me they use some kind of alias technique to slip by normal protections. To add insult to injury, they have an "unsubscribe" link that takes you to MORE MARKETING BS! No unsubsribe option anywhere. Has anyone else had to deal with this? I suspect they get email addresses from data mining companies, so the fact that I sometimes look at woodworking-related websites--like this one--is no doubt responsible. It really takes the fun, and much of the usefulness, out of the internet.
 
Nick,

If you are concerned about others getting your email address you can select PROFILE from the top menu, then Account Related Settings, then check the box next to hide my email address from the public.  Otherwise anyone who is a member can find your email address.

Peter
 
It's too bad your system's spam filter doesn't catch it.  If you can make email rules on your system, you could have it delete the email on arrival.  I'm sure there are words and phrases in the email that would only appear in those emails or links.  Key the rule off that instead of the return address.
 
Don't ever click on a link in an unsolicited email message. That tells the spammer that they hit a live one and they'll likely sell the address to other spammers. It might also take you to a site laden with malware. It might also be a pfishing attempt.

A technique I use a lot is to create throwaway addresses for use in registering on commercial internet sites. When they start getting spammy they get filtered. Some sites like Yahoo and Google have good spam filters too. Creating an address on one of these sites that you use for registrations might work out well for you.

 
To add to Andvari's mention of not clicking on links in unsolicited email, some email systems block images from senders you haven't whitelisted.  If you suspect the email to be spam, don't tell the email system to show you the pictures as that is also used to track which emails are live.  For example, the system can use a photo link like spam.com/KenNagrod/Sharpova.jpg and know your email was the one that opened it (it isn't so blatant with the email; usually a long number).
 
Yes, good idea Paul.

Another one is never open an attachment on an email message unless you know beforehand to expect it.

Chances are it's a virus, especially if it's a zip, pdf, pif, exe or jpg file. One of the more pernicious ways these things spread is by harvesting the contact lists of people's email software and use that to send messages that appear to be from known sources with copies of the virus attached.

I've seen this happen with chat programs too. The virus reads the contact list and sends a file to people on the list.

 
andvari said:
Yes, good idea Paul.

Another one is never open an attachment on an email message unless you know beforehand to expect it.

Chances are it's a virus, especially if it's a zip, pdf, pif, exe or jpg file. One of the more pernicious ways these things spread is by harvesting the contact lists of people's email software and use that to send messages that appear to be from known sources with copies of the virus attached.

I've seen this happen with chat programs too. The virus reads the contact list and sends a file to people on the list.

Also never click a link in any mail you are sent... or anything you are not sure of.  Google it, or go to the site via typing in the address you know.

What the link address reads in the email or post...has nothing to do with what address it will really send you to if you click on it  ....you could end  up buying a wife from Russia... that is 14 faster than the police can arrest you....

Cheers,
Steve
 
Steve R said:
andvari said:
Yes, good idea Paul.

Another one is never open an attachment on an email message unless you know beforehand to expect it.

Chances are it's a virus, especially if it's a zip, pdf, pif, exe or jpg file. One of the more pernicious ways these things spread is by harvesting the contact lists of people's email software and use that to send messages that appear to be from known sources with copies of the virus attached.

I've seen this happen with chat programs too. The virus reads the contact list and sends a file to people on the list.

Also never click a link in any mail you are sent... or anything you are not sure of.  Google it, or go to the site via typing in the address you know.

What the link address reads in the email or post...has nothing to do with what address it will really send you to if you click on it  ....you could end  up buying a wife from Russia... that is 14 faster than the police can arrest you....

Cheers,
Steve

You did it a second time?  I thought you learned your lesson.  This time you don't have the 30 day return policy.  Maybe you'll get stork credit.

PaulMarcel said:
To add to Andvari's mention of not clicking on links in unsolicited email, some email systems block images from senders you haven't whitelisted.  If you suspect the email to be spam, don't tell the email system to show you the pictures as that is also used to track which emails are live.  For example, the system can use a photo link like spam.com/KenNagrod/Sharpova.jpg and know your email was the one that opened it (it isn't so blatant with the email; usually a long number).

It's true.  Maria and I have been spamming Paul-Marcel St-Onge and everyone in his contact list.  If you are in his contact list, I suggest you delete him immediately and find a new friend.  [tongue] [big grin]
 
Ken Nagrod said:
Steve R said:
andvari said:
Yes, good idea Paul.

Another one is never open an attachment on an email message unless you know beforehand to expect it.

Chances are it's a virus, especially if it's a zip, pdf, pif, exe or jpg file. One of the more pernicious ways these things spread is by harvesting the contact lists of people's email software and use that to send messages that appear to be from known sources with copies of the virus attached.

I've seen this happen with chat programs too. The virus reads the contact list and sends a file to people on the list.

Also never click a link in any mail you are sent... or anything you are not sure of.  Google it, or go to the site via typing in the address you know.

What the link address reads in the email or post...has nothing to do with what address it will really send you to if you click on it  ....you could end  up buying a wife from Russia... that is 14 faster than the police can arrest you....

Cheers,
Steve

You did it a second time?  I thought you learned your lesson.  This time you don't have the 30 day return policy.  Maybe you'll get stork credit.

PaulMarcel said:
To add to Andvari's mention of not clicking on links in unsolicited email, some email systems block images from senders you haven't whitelisted.  If you suspect the email to be spam, don't tell the email system to show you the pictures as that is also used to track which emails are live.  For example, the system can use a photo link like spam.com/KenNagrod/Sharpova.jpg and know your email was the one that opened it (it isn't so blatant with the email; usually a long number).

It's true.  Maria and I have been spamming Paul-Marcel St-Onge and everyone in his contact list.  If you are in his contact list, I suggest you delete him immediately and find a new friend.  [tongue] [big grin]

Ken, I always buy two of everything... if you don't have a spare.... you are out of luck if one has a headache.... [scared]

It doesn't surprise me that Paul has friends .... but you Ken... "Maria" is a friend?... therapist... I could understand.... [wink]

Cheers,
Steve
 
Back
Top