2004 AOL 'Top 10 Spam Terms'

Topping the 2004 List: Phishing/ID Theft Scams, Online Medications & Vioxx, Mortgage Deals, Stock Tips, and - Yes - 'Adult' Themes. On the 'outs' are old spam terms such as "Oprah", "Teens", and "Viagra". The new 'in' spam terms for 2004 relate to 'phishing' scams, dubious mortgage deals, online pharmacy items such as Vioxx, and stock offers.





This is according to America Online's newly released list of most widely sent junk email subject lines for 2004, as based on the assessments and analysis of AOL's Antispam and Postmaster teams. This is the second year AOL has released such a list.

The Top 10 list is based on spam reports forwarded to these teams by AOL members during the 2004 calendar year - much of it collected in the aggregate via use of the popular "Report Spam" button on AOL.

AOL noted that the "flavor" of spam changed noticeably in the Top 10 list from 2003 to 2004.

First and foremost was the rise in spam emails carrying "phishing", or identity theft scams, which included information/data theft schemes, those citing 'inheritances' to be collected, and the infamous "Nigerian" scam. Second, there was a switch by spammers to more text-based spam instead of image-based spam, especially as it pertains to adult-themed junk emails. Third, there was much less so-called "porn spam" in 2004 as compared to 2003. Fourth, much more spam in 2004 contained simply a URL address or hyperlink, and nothing else.

Lastly, AOL noted that the type of spam isn't the only thing that's changed in 2004: the kind of spammer sending has also undergone a 'virtual makeover'. The Company stated that spammers have become more "sophisticated, nefarious, shadowy, devious, deceitful, sneaky, malicious, and - unfortunately - dedicated" in the manner in which they send spam. Gone are most 'small-time' spammers, and what is left are the 'hardcore, kingpin spammers' that AOL says it will continue to vigorously target in 2005.

Consumer Tips for Fighting Spam in 2005:

  • first, report as much spam as possible to your ISP...the more consumers report spam, the more it will help ISPs block it;
  • second, review and 'fine-tune' your Spam Folder regularly, as this will help customize and personalize consumers' email experience, and will help increase the amount of good email consumers get in their main email inbox and divert bad email to the Spam Folder;
  • third, use the 'unsubscribe' link in emails you get from known, trusted marketers if you don't want to be on their email list anymore...abiding by consumers' requests to unsubscribe is now Federal law under the "CAN-SPAM" act.

    AOL's 'Top 10 Spam Email Subject Lines' of 2004:

    1. "We carry the most popular medications" (Vioxx appeared often)
    2. "You've been sent an Insta-Kiss!" (phishing/ID theft scam)
    3. "You Have 17 New Pictures" (phishing/ID theft scam)
    4. "STEAMY HOT LESBIAN ACTION LIVE ON CAMERA!"
    5. "All orders are shipped from authorized locations" (re: online medications)
    6. "2005 Digital Cable Filters"
    7. "F R E E* 30 Second Pre-Qualification MORTGAGE Application"
    8. "HURRY HURRY Hot Stock on the RISE"
    9. "Sale PRICES ARE BEST ONLINE!"
    10. "Breaking news on the Top Pick stock"

    Source: press release

    See also:






    Permalink: 2004 AOL 'Top 10 Spam Terms'
    Posted 12/31/04 | Filed under: Internet | AddThis Social Bookmark Button