Spamwatch: FAQ

Q. What is Spam?

A. Unsolicited commercial e-mail advertising, typically sent to people who do not have an existing business relationship with the sender. Spam is flooding the Internet with many copies of the same message, in an attempt to force the message on people who would not otherwise choose to receive it. Spam costs the sender very little to send using the Internet as the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to peddle goods, including pirated software.

Q. What are the risks associated with buying software offered through spammed e-mail?

A. The software could be counterfeit or could come with viruses or bugs that can be destructive to a computer's operating system. In addition, some spammed e-mail offers ask consumers to provide confidential information through an unsecured Web site. Finally, some are simply a scam to acquire credit card numbers without providing any product to unsuspecting customers.

Q. What are the dangers of responding to spammed e-mail messages?

A. Any response only confirms the accuracy of your e-mail address, and may result in even more messages filling up your e-mail In box. By giving them your credit card number, you are at risk of fraud.

Q. What can I do if I receive a spammed e-mail offering Symantec's Norton branded products?

A. Forward suspicious e-mails to us at piracy@symantec.com, so that we can investigate who is sending the e-mails and try to put a stop to them, as appropriate.

Q. What can I do if I receive counterfeit Symantec/Norton branded software?

A. View Symantec's Anti-Piracy Policy page to learn more about this issue, or contact Symantec at piracy @symantec.com to report software piracy. You can also report it to your local Business Software Alliance (BSA).

Q. What is Symantec doing to combat spammed e-mails offering its products?

A. Symantec has developed a task force to investigate the e-mails and try to put a stop to their proliferation, in addition to pressing criminal charges against organizations/individuals behind them, as appropriate.

Q. How can I verify whether or not an e-mail I receive is from Symantec?

A. Learn how to spot suspicious or fraudulent emails at our Spam Warning Signs page. Additionally, if you are referred to an online store, you can check Symantec's Online Store which includes a list of all of our products and many of our legitimate online partners.

Q. Is Symantec associated with these spammed e-mail offers?

A. No. The companies or individuals who are sending the e-mails are in no way affiliated with Symantec. The e-mails are sent out without Symantec's knowledge or consent.

Q. Where does Symantec get information about spammed e-mail?

A. There are a number of different sources. Most importantly, Symantec receives reports from our customers, employees and the public-at-large. Symantec also receives reports from other companies in the software industry.

Q. Where does Symantec get information about pirated or counterfeit software?

A. There are a number of different sources. Most importantly, Symantec receives reports from our customers, law enforcement agencies and the public-at-large. Symantec also receives reports from other companies in the software industry.

Q. Can't the ISP's be contacted to shut down the spamming site?

A. In many cases, yes, but senders often simply establish a new site or even change their ISP, quickly and easily.

Q. What is the benefit of purchasing authentic software?

A. When customers purchase Symantec software, they receive a high level of quality and reliability from a reputable global vendor.

Q. How much does Symantec lose financially to piracy every year?

A. Symantec experiences potential losses of millions of dollars a year due to pirated and counterfeit software worldwide. Additionally, pirated and counterfeit versions of our software create a support burden for our customer service and tech support departments.