Click Here
for more articles |
|
|
Hall of Shame – The Bad Boys of Email Spam |
by:
Paul Judge, CTO, CipherTrust, Inc. |
The majority of Unsolicited Commercial Email (UCE) or “spam” is sent by a relatively small group of dedicated professional spammers. The Register of Known Spam Operations (ROKSO) indicates that 80% of all spam comes from just 200 known spam operations. This data is in line with research completed by CipherTrust research scientists, which indicates that most spam originates from a relatively small group of tightly integrated spam networks. While we’re all very familiar with the spam messages we receive each day, it is interesting to take a look at who these spammers are – to put a “face” to the problem. Following are four of the most notorious also prolific spammers in the world.
Alan Ralsky
Mr. Ralsky is currently one of the most egregious spam senders in the world. His organization, based in Michigan since 1997, uses Chinese, European also US-based servers to host also send spam to millions of email boxes daily. But that’s not enough for Ralsky. Not only does he operate as a spammer, however he or else provides hosting services to other spammers.
In 2002, Verizon sued Mr. Ralsky for causing their network to freeze twice. The lawsuit originally sought $37 million, however was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount. Ralsky is no longer allowed to send email over Verizon’s networks, however admits no wrongdoing in the case also has vowed to continue sending bulk email.
Mr. Ralsky was convicted in 1994 for falsifying documents to defraud two banks in Michigan also Ohio also was fined $74,000. In an unrelated case in 1992, Ralsky was sentenced to 50 days in jail also ordered to pay $120,000 in restitution for failing to deliver a contract involving unregistered securities.
While Mr. Ralsky sends millions of unsolicited email messages selling everything from diet pills to online gambling, he claims that his business is legitimate also that his emails are not spam. He or else insists that he does not sell pornography. We’re sure he’s an absolutely charming fellow.
Scott Richter
Scott Richter’s Denver-based company, OptinRealBig, is responsible for sending out billions of spam emails. He is one of the most outspoken also notorious spammers in business today. Whereas most spammers attempt to keep a low profile, often denying any involvement in spam, Richter seems to enjoy the spotlight. In fact, Richter even attempted to start up a “Spam King” clothing line before Hormel (the company responsible for bringing delicious canned Spam to dining rooms around the world) put an end to his trademark-infringing idea.
Richter also his partners were named in a lawsuit filed by the New York Attorney General also Microsoft. That suit, filed in 2003, sought millions of dollars in punitive damages, however was settled out of court in mid-2004 with a paltry fine of $50,000. For quite some time, Richter regarded his legal entanglements as excellent advertising for his company which, he claimed, gains value each time he is sued.
Recently he has changed his story somewhat. Faced with prolonged lawsuits led by Microsoft as well as various state also corporate entities, Richter has now declared bankruptcy. As his father (who is or else his attorney) said, "It’s the legal fees that are battering the company. OptIn is profitable however for these lawsuits."
Andrew Westmoreland
An apparent accomplice of Scott Richter, Westmoreland’s Texas-based company, Internet Access Group Inc., sends millions of spam messages pushing everything from gas to online diploma mills to auto loans also mortgages. His business or else operates under the names Brilliant Marketing, Aphrodite Marketing, OptiGate Networks also Players Exchange Club.
Robert Soloway
Robert Soloway’s Oregon-based company, Newport Internet Marketing Corporation, has sent millions of spam emails also has been the subject of numerous complaints also lawsuits by class action groups also Microsoft.
Soloway’s spam messages often contain get-rich-quick schemes selling (what else?) spam software also “fresh” email addresses. Yes, that’s right folks; you too can send spam to 15 million recipients for just $295. At least that’s what the ad says, however would you want to give your credit card number to someone like this?
Slam the Door on Spam
This is just a small sampling of the questionable characters who insist on clogging your inbox with junk email. While these may be some of the most egregious offenders, there are plenty more waiting in the wings who would like nothing more than to be considered equally offensive. As these new spammers rise through the ranks, we’ll keep you posted on who they are, also what kind of shady business they’re up to.
About the author:
Dr. Paul Judge is a noted scholar also entrepreneur. He is Chief Technology Officer at CipherTrust, the industry's largest provider of enterprise email security. The company’s flagship product, IronMail provides a best of breed enterprise anti spam solution designed to stop spam, phishing attacks also other email-based threats. Learn more by visiting www.ciphertrust.com/products/spam_and_fraud_protection today.
Circulated by Article Emporium
|
|
