Uncovering the Origins of Spam Names: Sir & Madam Spam

[Loren Booda]

Where do so many spammers get those universally alliterative, metric pseudonyms, i. e., "Gretchen Powers"?

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

I guess I will be the first to say "huh"?

 

[Loren Booda]

Compare the "personal" pseudonyms of spam senders.

Do you see any patterns? Usually Anglo, of certain meter, three or four syllables, nonreferential and alliterative; e. g., "Sam Speedman." Almost like names actors adopt.

 

[chroot]

Lo-ren Boo-da?

- Warren

 

[Eh]

I find it amusing when I receive mail from spammers who can't even spell their names correctly. But then, I don't think anyone ever insisted that much intelligence is required to be a spammer. Fortunately, there is software that will not only harvest thousands of e-mails from websites but also write the e-mail for these poor idiots. So spammers using spam software are likely going to use a name they can actually spell, which may rule out most normal names.

 

[BoulderHead]

Are there any numbers as to how many organizations and/or individuals there are engaged in this activity?

 

[chroot]

I've heard the figure that upwards of 70% of spam is actually the work of just one organization. This organization is composed of one man and a LOT of overseas computers.

- Warren

 

[enigma]

If that's the case, I'd say we've just found the perfect target for tamohawk missile target practice...

 

[chroot]

http://www.mugshots.com/Favorites/Eddy_Marin.htm

- Warren

 

[BoulderHead]

Originally posted by chroot
I've heard the figure that upwards of 70% of spam is actually the work of just one organization. This organization is composed of one man and a LOT of overseas computers.

- Warren

Fascinating, I had no idea, and thank you for the information.

Originally posted by chroot
http://www.mugshots.com/Favorites/Eddy_Marin.htm

- Warren

LOL, that is really funny. The mug shot makes him look like a character from a Drug Cartel, haha.

Originally posted by enigma
If that's the case, I'd say we've just found the perfect target for tamohawk missile target practice...

[edited for a thanks]