Unsubscribing from spam lists. Email Opt-out. Are these a good idea or not?

I want to take a moment to address this "opt out" idea that so many spammy emails use. You've seen it before. Some unsolicated email asking you to buy the latest toothbrush, sex tool, real estate deal...and at the bottom of it is the option to remove yourself from getting more of this useless email.

Seems like a good idea right? All they need is your email address so they can remove you from their list.

It could have potentially been a great idea to help those receiving unwanted email, but the spammers have found a way to twist this into a spam generating tool instead.

What is actually happening these days is the spammer whose list you ask to be removed from gathers a new list of people that wish to be removed, then sells the new list to another spammer.

So in effect, instead of getting off the list you wanted (they may or may not actually remove you) you are now on a new confirmed list of valid emails that recieves a brand new load of unsolicited email.

Spammers really have no ethics, so we shouldn't expect better from them I suppose. Just be aware the next time someone sends you something you don't want, that any information you provide CAN be used against you. And that what they claim they are trying to do, may not be their real intention at all.