The best way to avoid spam is:

Hit the "unsubscribe" link in the message.

Keep your e-mail address off the Web.

Delete, delete, delete.

The FTC has taken care of that. I don't have to worry about it anymore.

An unsolicited e-mail from a foreigner you've never met who offers a large sum of money if you will help him out is:

an example of the Nigerian e-mail scam, also known as the 419 scam.

an opportunity to pocket an enormous amount of cash and make a new pen pal.

an invitation to empty your bank account to a stranger and possibly endanger your life.

both the 419 scam and dangerous.

When shopping on the Web, your best bet for safety is to pay by:

credit card

cashier's check

cash

debit card

If you are selling something on the Web and the buyer pays you with a cashier's check over the amount agreed and asks you to send him the difference, you should:

Send the difference promptly so you aren't in violation of the auction site's speedy delivery policy.

Refuse the sale.

Send him the difference -- after the check clears.

Have the check verified by a bank official, then send the difference.

If you get an e-mail from your bank saying that security has been compromised and you must follow the link provided to enter your account information, you should:

Follow the instructions immediately.

Enter your information only from a secure computer.

Forward the e-mail to your friends who have an account at the bank so that they too can re-secure their information.

Forward the e-mail to your bank and tell them you suspect fraud.

If you receive an e-mail from someone who says they saw you were bidding on something and they have the item for a cheaper price if you will buy it without an auction, you should:

Shop around and take the deal if it's a bargain.

Tell them to put it on the block and you'll bid on it.

Take it only if they will let you purchase shipping insurance on the package.

Avoid this person like the plague.

If you are looking for a job on the Web, you are likely to find many offers for work-at-home jobs. These jobs:

are a result of the wonderful, new digital age.

require little skill other than your already apparent ability to use a computer.

generally pay a considerable amount.

are often fraudulent and may cost you money.

If you get an e-mail from your own address -- and you know you didn't send it:

Your e-mail account has been hijacked. Contact the server.

Reply to the e-mail and demand the person stop using your account.

Someone else has your same account name. Weird.

Delete, delete, delete.

If you get an e-mail asking you to forward it and you will receive a surprise such as a video or gift certificate, you should:

Forward it to as many people as you can for a greater chance of getting the surprise.

Keep it and forward it daily so you will get several gift certificates.

Forward it to your friends -- and send a copy to the company (if it's for a gift certificate).

Delete, delete, delete.

An e-mail tracker is:

still in beta-testing.

a device used by the FBI to track down criminals.

currently in beta testing for the general public, although the FBI already has use of a different version.

fictitious.