Spam is an electronic mail/email, which is sent to a database of users, either by hacker or company.

Nowadays it is sent automatically by so called bots.  Spamers use virus programs, malicious software, packet sniffers and other methods to get email address of as many people as possible. Most of the spam is commercial, usually adds for products or services. The idea is to deliver to millions of users. If only 1% will buy a product it is still a huge number of 10 thousand sales.

Another type of spam is so called scam email. This plays a part in social engineering.  Dark web people send thousands of emails. These type of scam can range from lottery winnings to funds abroad. The idea of thouse is to try to convince you, you have money coming to you. You will only have to pay some legal fees to clam these winnings/funds by Online Payment. Of course there are no winnings and once you pay, your money is gone. New types of scam are coming out very fast. You should always be careful.

Some emails might also include virus, or other malicious software, that could infect your computer, and hackers get access to your data or personal information, that can be used to blackmail or steal money from your accounts.

Good anti-virus and spam filters can protect you. But not even the best software can protect you from being scammed. People should educate themselves on internet safety and internet security.

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