Why am I getting random followers on Twitter?

[lalalala]

I just joined Twitter today and I keep getting random followers. When I click on their profile they are following thousands of people, but they have no tweets. I'm wondering if this is some kind of spam, because I'm not getting an email saying that these people are following me, while I do get an email if someone I know follows me, or if a band follows me.

[Trey]

Maybe spam

[sxg l]

Because you are awesome!

[Dexter]

Hi Lauren,

In order for you to not get unknown followers you may set-up your Twitter account as private by making your tweets protected. Here's how:

1. Log in to your Twitter account
2. Visit your Account Settings Page by selecting Settings from the drop-down menu on the right hand side of your screen.
3. Scroll down and check the box next to Protect my Tweets
4. Save your changes

Here are some benefits of protecting your tweets:
1. People will have to request to follow you and each follow request will need approval
2. Your Tweets will only be visible to users you've approved, meaning that other users will not be able to retweet your Tweets
3. Protected Tweets will not appear in Twitter search
4. You cannot share permanent links to your Tweets with anyone other than your approved followers

Hope these helps.