How does it work if I click spam link?

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techmanc
Posts: 88
Joined: Thu May 07, 2015 3:36 pm

How does it work if I click spam link?

Post by techmanc »

I was curious if I click a link from a spam message an go to that site what info does the site get I was mainly concerned that they would get my email address to add to their spam email link? TIA!
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spc3rd
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Joined: Tue Aug 30, 2011 5:45 pm

Re: How does it work if I click spam link?

Post by spc3rd »

Hello techmanc,

Clicking on any links within an obvious spam email carries significant security/privacy risks. The fact that you received a spam message at all, should raise a red flag, so-to-speak! Aside from your email address, a spam website can also easily get your IP address. With that, it's possible for a spammer to locate you geographically.

In addition, to what a spam/scam website can get from you......it's equally-significant as to what you may get from them, such as, various types of nasty malware infections (Trojans, worms, ransomware, etc).

There are a great many articles available on the Internet which go into more detail than I can here, about the risks of clicking on such links. I would suggest you perform an Internet search on this subject. Although I don't often get spam emails, I never click on any links within them, nor open any attachments.

Perhaps other members of the Esumsoft Team will drop by and offer you further feedback.

Best regards,
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Jeff
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Joined: Sat Sep 08, 2001 9:46 pm

Re: How does it work if I click spam link?

Post by Jeff »

There is not a direct action between links you click on and what the URLBL found; although this is planned for a future release. However, links that you click on *are* evaluated by Web of Trust, so there is still some protection.

As to your question about whether they could get your email address -- if the URL contains your email address, then yes. But, by using "web bugs" you don't even have to click on a link for them to get your email address; simply viewing an (invisible) image in the email could include your email address. This is why POP Peeper hides images by default.
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