A method spammers use to obtain valid e-mail addresses. Random names are generated and sent out to valid domains. If an undeliverable message does not return, the name is assumed to be genuine. Random names are easy to generate from any electronic phone book because many organizations standardize on conventions such as first name letter and last name or first name and last name letter; for example, John Doe could be jdoe@xyz.com or johnd@xyz.com.

Download Computer Desktop Encyclopedia to your PC, iPhone or Android.

THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
© 1981-2012 The Computer Language Company Inc.  All rights reserved.