MySpace Files Suit Against Major Spammer, Richter

MySpace.com is a popular online hangout that allows mostly young people to express themselves in pictures, videos, and music. It was never meant as a place for spammers. MySpace.com is proving that by filing a suit against a Colorado man once accused of being one of the top three spammers in the world. They say that he gained access to MySpace profiles using stolen passwords and then used the information to send spam bulletins.

MySpace seeks an injunction against Richter to prevent he and his companies from accessing MySpace. They are also seeing damages and repayment of all profits gained as a result of the activity.

Many of us have received some of Richter's random spam emails. But these spam attacks were different than that in that they appeared to be sent by trusted friends, giving them an air of legitimacy. The lawsuit claims Richter either spoofed login pages to steal usernames and passwords in a "phishing" scam or acquired a list of names and passwords from a third party. The messages include come-ons offering free ringtones, Lacoste polo shirts or other items, the lawsuit claims.