US spammer fined $2m

Posted on 27 Oct 2003 at 13:13

A marketing firm in the consumer-rights led state of California has been ordered to pay $2m in civil penalties for sending unsolicited emails, marking the state's first anti-spam judgement.

The LA-based company was found to have violated state laws that forbid the sending of unsolicited commercial mail, false advertising and unfair business practices by sending emails that advertised 'how to' guides on spamming and lists of email addresses, disguised the 'from' field and offered no genuine opt-out option.

The judgement was the first under the state's 1998 anti-spam law, which was further enforced last month, and Attorney General Bill Lockyer said this be the model for future spam cases.

California's antispam law allows individuals to sue spammers, and seek damages including $1,000 per email and up to $1m per instance.

PW Marketing owners Paul Willis and Claudia Griffin are also banned from sending any more spam and from owning or having an (economic) interest in any business that advertises online fort he next 10 years.

Author: Matt Whipp

Get more reviews, tutorials and in-depth advice, every month with Computer Shopper.
Click here to try 3 issues for £1

< Previous News : General Next >

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to Login or Register to comment.