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September 16, 2005

It's not uncommon these days for corporate or other organization employees to sign an agreement that allows Big Brother to monitor email communications and even Web surfing activity. Some of this "snooping" may be going on even without the employee's knowledge.

Imagine being such a "snoopee" when the following spam message winds up in your inbox:

Subject: Your refill for Vitrx

Hi, your Vitrx natural enhancement product is ready for ordering, as our records indicate that you are due for a refill.

Simply press here to order
[link removed]

Please let us know if you have any questions. We are available 24x7.

Dan Williams, customer support.

To the untrained eye, this could be interpreted as a legitimate communication between an online pharmacy and one of its existing customers. Before (um) long, the word about your enlargement medz usage circulates through the company, and may even get you in hot water, accused of using organization resources (email) for your personal use.

I've wondered if spam content ever got anyone in trouble at work. For instance, if you fail to adhere to Spam Wars guidelines and open up an explicit-image-laden porn spam, and a colleague happens to be looking over your shoulder at that instant, might not a sexual harassment complaint ensue?

If you have a tale to tell about spam used against you at work, I'd like to hear about it (confidentiality assured). Use the contact form to let me know.