Q: Why do some messages contain ***SPAM*** in the subject line?
Q: How can I block spammers?
Q: What can I do so that my mail isn't considered spam?

Q: Why do some messages contain ***SPAM*** in the subject line? Top of Page

A: The anti-spam tools that scan your mail before it is placed in your inbox uses many different rules to try to determine if the mail item is in fact spam. These tools evaluate the mail and give the mail item a "spam score". If the score is high enough the piece of mail is deleted and not delivered. If the score is not quite high enough to delete - but is most likely spam - the anti-spam tool adds ***SPAM*** to the subject line of the message and delivers the message. You can use this value in the subject line to create a rule to block this mail with Outlook - see next question.

Q: How can I block Spammers? Top of Page

A: In Outlook
Click Tools, Rules & Alerts, New Rule
Start from Blank Rule, Next
Check messages when they arrive, Next
Check the box that says: Specific words in Subject or Body
In Lower pane click on “specific Words”
Type in “***SPAM***” click ADD… if you have more words you want to block – add them
Click OK and NEXT
Check “Move it to the specified folder”
In lower pane - click “specific Folder”
Choose the Junk Mail folder
Click OK
Click Next 2 times
Name the Filter: SPAM
Click Finish

Q: What can I do so that my mail isn't considered spam? Top of Page

A: Don't use HTML to format your message
Don't use different color fonts
Don't type some words in all Caps - unless necessary
Try to avoid the words: free, cheap, viagra, Please, unsubscribe...