Spam affects literally everyone who uses the Internet these days. Whether it's a free Yahoo email account or paid account from an ISP, a spammer more than likely will find you if they haven't already. What to do about spam has been highly debated and a huge market exists to block spammers.

Anti-spam software has been utilized by millions to combat the irrelevant and sometimes crude advertising that fills their business and personal inboxes. The big problem with anti-spam software and email accounts is that many emails, some which you may be expecting can get put into the blocked folders unintentionally. This can create a huge hassle for many people and browsing through a spam folder can be even more difficult when you have 500 messages. You more than likely end up deleting more than a few non-spam messages, some that are important.

The best and most wise step to combating spam is to do your best to not end up on a list where spammers may find you. Follow some of these tips and you may find spam no longer is a word that relates to your everyday life.

1.) Carefully read all online forms you fill out. Many forms have opt-in buttons prechecked for approval of emailed offers from their partners. You want to make sure you uncheck those boxes. Unless you know all their partners, you probably don't want loads of offers and rebates from companies you don't know.

2.) When filling out forms make sure you look for a disclaimer stating that your email will be kept confidential and not sold. Many companies sell their email information to people who in turn sometimes resell email names down the line to shadier companies until lists are available to anyone. Anyone includes spammers.

3.) Money making offers online, beware! If the offer to make money from home is vague there's a good chance your email will be handed to a database of 100 or more people looking to recruit for their MLM. This can end you up with tons of money making opportunities and yes, the quality of offers will deteriorate and eventually expect viagra and porn offers a year from now. Make sure you know the money making opportunity before giving your email, otherwise expect the worst.

All in all, common sense is more than likely going to be your best weapon against spam. Don't put your email in the hands of just anyone. Treat your email as you would your own child.