No one can question the net's ability to disseminate information. Anybody, anywhere with a computer, an internet connection and the desire to do so can read and learn about virtually every conceivable topic under the sun (and beyond for that matter). The plus side of this is overwhelmingly apparent. Shared knowledge and ideas, a well informed population and the ability to communicate on a global basis. The downside while perhaps not so obvious is ever present and looming as well.

Basically anyone with a little knowledge and some resources can setup a webpage, establish a spam mailer and cast their nets out into the cyber seas. The vast majority of us, who use the internet now have to deal with spam mail on a daily basis. There is help out there, a little knowledge can go a long ways.
For example: the worst thing we can do with junk mail is respond to their take me off this list link. It turns out all we are doing with such a response is informing the spammer he has found a live email address.

Despite the fact that there are some limitations placed on hate speak, child pornography, misleading medical sites and sites that advocate the violent overthrow of government or promote terrorism, for the most part the net remains the Wild West. It's up to us to arm ourselfs with the knowledge needed as not to fall victim to the net predator. The well organized huckster and con man of old no longer has to knock on your door or stop you on the street. Just like you and I, he now uses the computer. It is just as easy for those of little conscience to press the enter key and disseminate completely false, misleading or fraudulent information as it is to share factual data.

Just as we live on the net with those who would educate, entertain, sell legitimate goods and services we also have to live with the people who want to dig deep into our pockets, emotionally, intellectually and monetarily. Net scams and CyberSharks abound. Internet ScamBusters a well respected free net e-Zine recently listed what they call 'The ten most disturbing scams.'
Topping the list are the 9-11 World Trade Center scams. According to ScamBusters "The spams (and scams) relating to the World Trade Center began within an hour of the attacks. They range from appeals for aid to the victims, usually sent through the spammers' web sites, to fake news items concerning reported attacks." While no doubt beyond despicable WTC scams are just the tip of the iceberg (btw. the first anniversary of 9-11 is upon us, be prepared for a whole new array of scams).
Perhaps the most insidious and potentially damaging cyber mugging of all is that of Identity Theft. A topic well covered by Internet ScamBusters.

The internet affords us great freedoms, as always along with these freedoms comes great responsibilities. Responsibilities not only to ourself, but to the other honest net users as well . The following links can be a great source of knowledge and provide invaluable tools for net survival.