Plus, some spammers use programs that generate addresses randomly and send messages out looking for active mailboxes. Many e-mail services provide spam filters. They then forward messages that meet your filter criteria to your permanent account. Though such software can reduce the volume of spam you receive, it will not eliminate it. Internet service providers work similarly.
Routers examine all incoming messages to block mass mailings.
When a spammer is discovered, the offending e-mail address is added to the routing table. Since blocking spam is never foolproof, it is often easier to avoid becoming a target. Refrain from submitting your personal e-mail address to online newsgroups or registering it on Web sites. Search the archives of the Los Angeles Times for similar stories. You will not be charged to look for stories, only to retrieve one.