Spam e-mails are not only annoying, irritating and time consuming, but they’re also becoming more dangerous to you and the security of your computer.So better think twice when you’re about to open e-mails from unknown senders, especially if you’re using a computer from the office where all your important business documents are saved. Thousands of computer users and restaurant owners are getting infected, spoofed, and tricked by spam e-mails every month, forcing them to pay heavy fees for cleaning and restoring their computer POS systems back to normal.

There are the 3 most common dangers that all PC users should keep away from:

1. An increase in hijacked and spoofed e-mail addresses. Spammers are now using a new tool used to make you believe that their spam e-mail is coming from YOUR computer. This can cause your connection to the internet be terminated or put on hold by your service provider – without you even knowing it. A good spam blocking software blocks inbound spam as well as unauthorized outbound spam from your serves. That’s why it would be a better idea to install one for your own safety.

2. Virus infected spam e-mails. Accidentally open a virus-infected spam e-mail and you can end up with big problems ranging from the slowing of your system to more serious threats such as system crashes, data loss, identity theft, endless popping of unapproved sites, and more.

3. Phishing spam. A phishing e-mail appears to be a legitimate e-mail from a bank, vendor, friend, or other trusted source. The purpose is to trick you into giving sentive information such as bank accounts, social security numbers, passwords, and credit card information. You’ve probably already received a PayPal or bank spam e-mail that said your account was going to be closed unless [you verified your information|e-mails from banks you don't use, or even from Paypal, that notifies you to verify your account in order to continue using their service|e-mails from banks you don't use, or even from Paypal, that notifies you to verify your account or else they will close it]. It will then direct you to a very convincing web site where you input certain information the spammer is trying to glean. In reality, this is a malicious third party that is going to use your information to open credit card accounts, access your account, steal money, and cause you other major identity and financial problems.

Here are some few simple tips you can do to prevent this:

First and foremost, you should have a reliable spam blocking software installed.

Many retail business owner over look into this, so their restaruant POS system suffers from it.

Next, you better make sure you don’t get included on a spammers list in the first place. The moment your e-mail gets on a spammer’s list, there’s no way to get off; and changing your e-mail address can be a major inconvenience especially if you rely on it to stay in touch with your business contacts.

Here are some useful tips you should follow to avoid ending up on a spammer’s list:

1. Use a disposable e-mail account.

Using a free e-mail address like with Gmail or Yahoo to reduce the chance of ending up on a spammer’s list. To avoid ending up on a spammer’s broadcast list, you can always use free e-mail accounts whether it’s Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail it’s never a waste of time registering for them.

2. Never forget to double-check those selection boxes or check boxes that are automatically filled in.

Make sure you don’t check on the box that says “Yes! I would like to get third party special offers.” when you shop online. Chances are, your e-mail address can be sold to every online advertiser.

3. Refrain yourself from posting your primary e-mail address on your web site, web forums, or newsgroups.

Spammers have special programs that can automatically collect e-mail addresses from web sites without your consent. If you want to post an e-mail address on your web site or business blog, I suggest you use “info@” and have all replies are forwarded to a folder in your in-box that won’t interfere with your main address.

4. If you have a hunch that it’s a spam e-mail, then don’t open it!

Doing so serves as a signal for the spammer that your e-mail address is active, and they’ll send you more spam e-mails.

The only time it is safe to click or reply to the e-mail is when the e-mail was sent from a company you know or do business with (for example, a company that you purchase from or a newsletter you subscribed to).

For more information or to have a local POS professional serving the restaurant industry and your location see more information at POS-For-Restaurants.com.