What can I do to prevent spam being sent to my contacts through MY email address?

[Moonglum]

I have a contact who was sent spam (online ads for Viagra and other prescription drugs). Under sender it listed my email address, although I didn't send it. What could this be and what can I do about it? In this case it created a rather awkward situation, as the Viagra ad was sent to an ex-girlfriend who I had recently had a messy breakup with

[Froggie]

If the spam was only sent to one contact, you may have an easy 'name' to spoof. Spammers frequently invent names using words and combinations of numbers to bombard us. They may also have found your name through web postings like Facebook, or on e-mails sent by others. Just apologize, with that explanation.
If it was sent to many of your contacts, get a new account, brand new, or tied to the original (then they both share all links, contacts, saved mail, etc)

[Lyn G]

Sounds like your E-mail account has been compromised, or you picked up a virus.
Immediately have your computer checked for a 'bug' or 'bugs.' If you have the proper programs, do the scans yourself, if not you need to take your computer to some one who can.
Once it is clean of pests, install a firewall and an anti-virus program if you do not have one yet.
I strongly recommend a program for malware and adware also.
After you finish this, then go in and change your password, using a good strong one.
Also, check your account information and make sure no information was changed, if it was change it back immediately.
Then, you will have to inform your contacts that it was not you sending that mail, but they need to check their computers in case they were also infected.