Don't open spam.  Delete it unread.

Never respond to spam as this will confirm to the sender that it is a "live" email address.

Have a primary and secondary email address - one for people you know and one for all other purposes.

Avoid giving out your email address unless you know how it will be used.

Never purchase anything advertised through an unsolicited email.

These prevention tips were taken from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center website. For more tips please see http://www.ic3.gov/preventiontips.aspx#item-12