They call you "lead". They call you "prospect". They catch you somewhere in the Internet and ask to register. They offer bonuses, discounts, specials and exclusives. However, all what they need is your personal information.
When you provide your email address and full name, all what they need at last is to know of your interests. Just let them know, in a single word, briefly, or (no need to think a lot!) just select from a pre-defined list - what do you like? What makes you happy? This? Or That? Thanks man! We will be in contact with you shortly! ... and you never hear from them... but you hear a lot(!) from their buyers.
What's going on? You were just one of hundreds thousands registered and provided their personal information in hope to get what you need. You have passed the registration process and the simple survey. You were attracted by their ad, vivid, promising. "Thank you! We will be in contact with you soon" is their reply.
Once the info is collected, you are sold to third parties. Usually, you go as one of thousands records in their Excel table or MS Access database. Buyer gets you for 2 cents or less. Do you really cost so much?
Never give out your personal information on unknown web sites even if they promise to deliver something you really need. Look for positive experience around before registering and leaving your email address on their form. Ask your friends, colleagues, or seek for advice on Internet forums to learn if the web site provides real value to its registered users. If you don't do that, expect to get your email address full of junk emails offering everything from escort service to viagra at exceptionally high rates. Illegal, dirty content and offers will make the most of emails coming to your mailbox.
As I mentioned in previous posts of this blog, your personal information is most likely to be misused if you do not take special care of why, when, and where you give it out to foreign eyes.
Trust only the resources you know, or seek for qualified advice. You will always be safe with it.
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