Dealing with SPAM using Challenge Response

SPAM can make email unusable, but there is a concept that I have used so I did NOT have to change my email address.

This other method of dealing with SPAM is to use "challenge response". In a nutshell, it requires the sender to respond to a confirmation message. This verifies that an actual person who can read an email sent the message to you. If no response is received, you never are bothered or realize a SPAM email message was even sent to your email address.

How challenge response works

Case 1 - it came from a spammer

• Spammer sends an email to you
• The software sends a confirmation message to the sender's email address
• If the spammer used a fake email address, the confirmation email is not received by the spammer and the fake email address is not confirmed.
• Nothing downloaded to your computer, SPAM not seen by you

Case 2 - first-time email from a friend

• Friend sends an email to you
• The software sends a confirmation message to the sender's email address
• Since they used a valid email address, they will get the confirmation message
• They click on the link in the confirmation message
• Your friend's original message is delivered to you (they do not need to resend the original message)
• Friend's email address is added to your "good" email list

Case 3 - additional emails from that same friend

• Friend sends an email to you
• Their email address is on "good" email list, so message is immediately delivered to you (friend does not receive confirmation message)

Most web hosting providers have this available, so ask your current web hosting company how to get this setup. If they do not have this available, speak to your webmaster or the person who setup your web site or domain email accounts.