Phony Do Not Email Registry

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns Internet users not to be fooled by phony emails or Web sites claiming to be a national "Do Not Email" registry. There is no such registry. Criminals are attempting to collect consumers' personal information for identity theft purposes, or to collect valid email addresses to sell to spammers.

To appear credible, this scam mimics the legitimate "Do Not Call" phone registry. The do-not-call list works because telephone lines generally allow authorities to trace the origins of phone calls. Verifying email senders is much more difficult. According to the FTC, any do not email registry would be a waste of time, and worse, would probably make it easier for criminals to steal valid email addresses.

If you visit a Web site or get an email claiming to represent a "Do Not Email" registry, report it to the FTC at ftc.gov or 877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).