Question 1: What is Spam?

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Question 1: What is Spam?

Answer:

Spam is a type of unsolicited electronic 'junk mail' that is often sent out to many people at the same time.  These unwanted messages may be sent by email, but may also be sent as text messages to mobile devices, including smartphones.

Spam messages may advertise or offer you unsolicited goods, services, land, or business and investment opportunities.  "Scam" spam messages may be used to try to trick or disadvantage you, for example, by offering you get-rich-quick schemes.  Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

However, not all messages are 'spam.'  Businesses are allowed to send you 'commercial electronic messages' provided they meet three tests set out in the Spam Act.  These tests are that the message must:

• be sent with your consent
• identify the sender
• include a functional unsubscribe mechanism (in other words, you can ask not to receive any more messages).

Messages that don't meet these tests are generally 'spam' and are unlawful under the Spam Act.  See Are there laws about spam?

More information

• For more information about commercial electronic messages, spam and the Privacy Act, see Information Sheet 26
• Detailed information about spam is also available from the Australian Communications and Media Authority at www.spam.acma.gov.au, as well as from  www.scamwatch.gov.au.

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