Did You Forget To "Opt-Out?"

Has this ever happened to you? You used your primary e-mail address to register at a site on the Web that really interested you. Then, you started receiving e-mail newsletters you don't remember signing up for. What gives? Chances are, you might have signed up for them without realizing it-you forgot to "opt-out" of the e-mail newsletters offered at the sign-up process, in other words.

This brings up an important point you might not be aware of: Some sites will sign you up for e-mail newsletters and the like by default and put the onus on you to "opt-out" of the offers. Next time you sign up for something on the Web follow these simple steps:

1. First, decide if this is something you really want to use your primary e-mail address for. If not, use an alternate or even temporary e-mail address.



2. Next, make sure you read the terms and conditions and privacy policy of the site. Sometimes, buried in the legalese of a site is the disclosure that your e-mail address will be shared with third parties.



3. Finally, take a closer look at the sign-up screen. See any boxes with check marks in them? Read what's next to those boxes very carefully. If you don't want to receive what's being offered there, make sure you click on those boxes and remove the check marks-that's how you can "opt-out" of e-mail newsletters and other offers before they reach your inbox.

Just a reminder that in cyberspace too, you must always read the fine print!