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First Spammer Convicted Under CAN-SPAM Law
eldavojohn writes "Spammer Jeffrey Brett Goodin has been convicted under the 2003 CAN-SPAM Act, the first person in the U.S. prosecuted successfully under the law. He is facing a sentence of up to 101 years in a federal prison after being found guilty of numerous illegal acts. According to prosecutors, Goodin was convicted on multiple counts in addition to the CAN-SPAM conviction, including wire fraud, unauthorized use of credit cards, misuse of the AOL trademark and attempted witness harassment. From the article: 'The law forbids e-mail marketers from sending false or misleading messages and requires them to provide recipients with a way to opt out of receiving future mailings. During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Goodin used several compromised Internet accounts to send e-mails to America Online users. The e-mails appeared to be from the company's billing department and told customers to update their billing information or lose service.'"
Fix your link! I keep clicking on "CL1cK HERE TO 3NLARGE MALE M3MBER" and nothing happens!!!
This is the NSA, we're gonna geet U h@x0r5! Also, what is a h@x0r5?
I think so, this is probably a "set an example" type of case. Though it depends on how much money he actually stole; if not a huge amount -- serious criminals even if nobody is killed should get serious punishment, and yes I'm thinking corporate crooks here -- then I'd rather see violent criminals in prison instead of him. But that's just off-the-cuff reaction based on skimming the article.
Another off-the-cuff reaction: When the mafia lands in court, the witnesses get whacked. How appropriate is it that a spammer can't accomplish any more than witness harassment? I can only imagine his method: Emails stating "Y t3st1fy? Do and no more v14gr4 for U!"
The enemies of Democracy are
100 years is probably excessive -- one night might be sufficient...
Inmate: What'cha in for, buddy?
Spammer: I... uh... sent people spam emails... about... male enhancement...
Inmate: That so?!? Hey fellas! Meet my new b*tch... [grinning]
Spammer: GUARD!!!!!!!!
GetOuttaMySpace - The Anti-Social Network
"including wire fraud, unauthorized use of credit cards, misuse of the AOL trademark and attempted witness harassment"
He's being charged with improving their reputation and brand name. Bastard.
The revolution will not be televised... but it will have a page on Wikipedia