Spammers React Quickly To News Events

from the gotta-keep-up-with-the-times dept

The more stories there are about spammers, the more you realize just how much of their business depends on getting a tiny percentage of super gullible people to respond to their spam messages (I’d still like to know just who these people are?). To attract the attention of just a few extra people is a big deal for spammers, especially since they’re fighting it out with hundreds of other spammers sending messages to the same gullible suckers. So, one of the latest tactics is to tie new spam campaigns with recent news events. For example, right after Microsoft announced their plans to ban chatrooms in many places, there was a flood of spam advertising spyware that would let parents watch what their kids were doing online. Researchers don’t believe it was a coincidence. Of course, if certain reports are to be believed, and most spam originates from just a small group of individuals, it just takes one or two spammers reading the news to figure out ways to create “timely” spam messages.


Rate this comment as insightful
Rate this comment as funny
You have rated this comment as insightful
You have rated this comment as funny
Flag this comment as abusive/trolling/spam
You have flagged this comment
The first word has already been claimed
The last word has already been claimed
Insightful Lightbulb icon Funny Laughing icon Abusive/trolling/spam Flag icon Insightful badge Lightbulb icon Funny badge Laughing icon Comments icon

Comments on “Spammers React Quickly To News Events”

Subscribe: RSS Leave a comment
2 Comments
aNonMooseCowherd says:

No Subject Given

The more stories there are about spammers, the more you realize just how much of their business depends on getting a tiny percentage of super gullible people to respond to their spam messages (I’d still like to know just who these people are?)

As you pointed out in an earlier article (http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20030804/0239218_F.shtml), spammers can make money without selling anything.

Also, see the recent Wired article (http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,59907,00.html) about people who really do buy from spammers.

Add Your Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Have a Techdirt Account? Sign in now. Want one? Register here

Comment Options:

Make this the or (get credits or sign in to see balance) what's this?

What's this?

Techdirt community members with Techdirt Credits can spotlight a comment as either the "First Word" or "Last Word" on a particular comment thread. Credits can be purchased at the Techdirt Insider Shop »

Follow Techdirt

Techdirt Daily Newsletter

Ctrl-Alt-Speech

A weekly news podcast from
Mike Masnick & Ben Whitelaw

Subscribe now to Ctrl-Alt-Speech »
Techdirt Deals
Techdirt Insider Discord
The latest chatter on the Techdirt Insider Discord channel...
Loading...