how do spammers get my information?

Question

I run a constantly-updated Norton Internet Security, but I swear, it seems if I do a google, or yahoo search, or email someone, that I then afterwards get spam emails with subject lines concerning my searches, etc. For instance, if I search yahoo for Nike Shoes. I often will later get a bogus email with a bunch of keywords (usually including porn words) in the subject line. How does this happen. I'm not an idiot, I don't sign up for a lot of online stuff, I'm aware of current scams, etc. So I'm not being negligent.

Answer 1

Spam bot programs collect any email addresses they can find on the internet. The @ symbol is usually a giveaway, and often you see people disguise addresses for this reason. Those addresses are sold, often very cheaply.

Much spam mail comes from virus infected computers, especially Windows computers. These programs often send themselves to everyone in your address book, and send a list of the addresses to the spammers.

Addresses are also generated. It is safe to assume that most random dictionary address you make up ending in @yahoo.com are valid.

Answer 2

Whoa, take a breath and quiet down. agencies, notably information superhighway ones, sell/share their purchasers touch information. in case you sense that the enterprise you utilized for the own loan with isn't genuine, first component you should do is call all 3 credit bureaus and notify them of your difficulty. then you actual might desire to look into the legitimacy of the enterprise you gave your information to.