It really isnt that hard... Any online transactions I do are through a throwaway hotmail account- it gets spammed like you wouldn't believe, but I dont care I just sign in every month or so and delete all messages. Many of my coworkes complain of spam on work email... it is probably because they made some purchase using their work email... I have yet to get spam at work, or on my home account, or on my real hotmail account.

Just moderate caution is needed to avoid spammers, but one slip up will lead to a never ending deluge. As for the odd quotes, I have no idea wht purpose they serve...