The anti-spam sites have long advocated for email recepients not to use the unsubscribe links in spam email. The key here is "spam" email. If you've legitimately provided your email address to an Ezine publisher or to some other site, then you should be able to use the links to get off their lists. I've generally supported the use of the unsubscribe links, mainly because of my support of Ezine publishers and how they've been abused in the past. However, this as changed as of today. My word of warning is to view these unsubscribe methods with a jaded eye. One of the most deceptive things I've seen to date hit me this morning. Want to know more?


I was attempting to unsubscribe to a system that I actually mistakening assumed was related to another site which I'd recently provide my email address to. I thought this to be a legitimate unsuscription site. The unsuscription URL I went to was http://click.4o-1.com/cgi-bin/remove/mp_remove.cgi (4-ui.com is also associated with this scam). When I entered my email address to unsubscribe I was taunted by an attempt to hijaack my computer with the installation of a Fun & Games toolbar (http://toolbar.pickoftheweb.com/potwbar.cab by Traffix Inc). The installation screen appeared immediately after I hit enter.

This is one of the sleaziest unsubscription system I've ever experienced. Unsubscription with a major penalty. Fortunately, security settings on my computer prohibited the installation of this program. Me thinks.... I'll scan my system just in case.

What I'm not sure of yet, is how this type of action would be viewed under the new CAN Spam Act. I was provided with an unsubscription method and who knows, maybe they will actually take my email address out of their system. But, is it legal to attempt to install a program (of questionable value) during the unsubscription process? It not email, but it is a new threat to our safety on the Net.

Here's the email I received:
//*** start ***// Thank you for being part of our online community in which we do our best to make the Internet exciting and beneficial by introducing our members to great promotional offers, valuable discounts, bargains and sweepstakes, as well as entertainment, travel and financial opportunities Continuing our tradition of providing you with the best the Internet has to offer, we would like to introduce your new membership with Link Offers.

Link Offers will bring you a variety of opportunities to take advantage of special offers and some members-only special promotions.

You may choose to terminate your membership with Link Offers and unsubscribe from its mailing list at any time. Each email offer

Link Offers sends will contain an unsubscribe link. If you do not wish to become a member of Link Offers, simply click here.

To review the Link Offers privacy policy click here.

Thank you again and please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have!

Sincerely,
Your friends at Transit Direct

Thank you for being a Transit Direct member. If you no longer wish to be a member and receive our offers click here.
//*** end ***//

I mistakening thought I'd received this after I'd registered for a computer drawing at the TigerDirect.com website (I do not believe now that the 2 sites are related). It's easy to get sidetracked. In the future, I'll make sure I've had my dose of coffee before reading my email.