If you run a mailing list...

If you or your company run a mailing list on your web site - ensure you validate each signup.

This is a simple and secure process whereby each signup request is automatically sent a confirmation email - they then either reply to that email or click a web link to actually be subscribed to the list.

Far too many web sites will accept a signup just by putting an email address in the box and clicking 'go' - the problem is people can easily abuse email addresses by signing up other people's email addresses.

The problem for you (as mailing list owner) is that this will leave you much more open to people accusing you of sending spam because after all they never did ask to be signed up.