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Tracking Spam to the Source

Posted by michael on from the hunt-the-wumpus dept.

cygnusx writes: "MSNBC is carrying a Wall Street Journal article on one reporter's attempts to track the spam she receives to the source. Armed with a few Hotmail and Yahoo accounts, reporter Stacy Forster actually responded to most of the barrage of spam she began to receive after a week or so. Not quite the best investigative jounalism ever seen, but still a good glimpse (or so I thought) at those who send us those unloved missives about "exciting business opportunities" and "millions of $$$ waiting"."

2 of 356 comments (clear)

  1. Don't you think... by whipping_post · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...the reporter could have gotten more info if she didn't keep telling these people that she is a reporter?!?!

    How's this for investigative journalism?
    1. Locate Spammers
    2. Call and explain to spammers that you are a reporter
    3. Determine if spammer has hung up
    4. If step 3 is yes, call spammer back and leave message
    5. Repeat

  2. Re:maybe if we stop answering it... by dangermouse · · Score: 5, Funny
    The only thing I can think of is being extra careful to NEVER look into an e-mail that even looks like spam


    I looked at the trap, Ray.