Hall of Shame - The Bad Boys of UCE

The majority of Unsought Commercial Email (UCE), or “spam” is sent by a comparatively small group of dedicated professional spammers. The Register of Acknowledged Spam Operations (ROKSO) indicates that 80% of all spam comes from simply 200 acknowledged spam operations. This data is in line with research completed by CipherTrust research scientists, which indicates that most spam originates from a comparatively small group of tightly integrated spam networks.

While we’re all really familiar with the spam messages we obtain each day, it is absorbing to take a look at who these spammers are – to put a “face” to the problem, as it were. Following are four of the most ill-famed and prolific spammers in the world.
Alan Ralsky

Alan Ralsky


Mr. Ralsky is presently one of the most crying spam senders in the world. His organization, based in Michigan since 1997, uses Chinese, European and domestic US-based servers to host and send spam to millions of email boxes daily. But that’s not enough for Ralsky. Not only makes he operate as a spammer, but besides as a host to another spammers.

In 2002, Verizon sued Mr. Ralsky for causation Verizon’s network to freeze doubly in 2000. The suit originally sought-after $37 million, but was settled out of court for an unrevealed amount. Ralsky is no longer allowed to send email over Verizon’s networks, but he admits no wrongdoing in the case, and has vowed to continue causing bulk email.

Mr. Ralsky was condemned in 1994 for falsification documents to victimize two banks in Michigan and Ohio and was penalized $74,000. In an unrelated case in 1992, Ralsky was sentenced to 50 days in jail and ordered to pay $120,000 in restitution for failing to deliver a contract involving unregistered securities.

While Mr. Ralsky sends millions of unsought email messages merchandising everything from diet pills to online gambling, he claims that his business is legitimate and that his emails are not spam. He besides insists that he makes not sell pornography. We’re sure he’s an perfectly charming fellow.

Scott Richter

Scott Richter


Scott Richter’s Denver-based company, OptinRealBig, is responsible for causing out billions of spam emails. He is one of the most outspoken and ill-famed spammers in business today. Whereas most spammers attempt to support a low profile, often denying any involvement in spam, Richter seems to enjoy the spotlight. In fact, Richter even as unsuccessful to start up a “Spam King” article of clothing line before Hormel (the institution responsible for delivery delicious canned Spam to eating rooms about the world) put an end to his trademark-infringing idea.

Richter and his partners were named in a suit filed by the New Dynasty Lawyer General and Microsoft. That suit, filed in 2003, sought-after millions of dollars in correctional damages, but was settled out of court in mid-2004 with a paltry fine of $50,000. Richter regards his legal entanglements as first-class advertising for his institution which, he claims, gains value each time he is sued.

Apostle Westmoreland

An apparent confederate of Scott Richter, Westmoreland’s Texas-based company, Computer network Access Group Inc., sends millions of spam messages pushing everything from gas to online sheepskin mills to car loans and mortgages. His business besides operates under the names Brilliant Marketing, Cytherea Marketing, OptiGate Networks and Players Exchange Club.

Henry m. robert Soloway

Robert Soloway’s Oregon-based company, Newport Computer network Marketing Corporation, has sent millions of spam emails and has been the subject of many complaints and lawsuits by class action groups and Microsoft.

Soloway’s spam messages often contain get-rich-quick schemes merchandising (what else?) spam software system and “fresh” email addresses. Yes, that’s right folks; you too can send spam to 15 million recipients for simply $295. At least that’s what the ad says, but would-be you want to give your credit card number to person like this?

Slam the Door on Spam

We’ve bestowed you with simply a small sampling of the questionable characters who insist on hindering your inbox with junk email. Piece these may be several of the most crying offenders, there are plenty much waiting in the wings who would-be like nothing much than to be considered equally offensive. As these new spammers rise through the ranks, we’ll support you announce on who they are, and what kind of shady business they’re up to.

Just about the Author

CipherTrust is the leader in anti-spam and email security. Discover much by downloading our free whitepaper, “Controlling Spam the IronMail Way” or by visiting www.ciphertrust.com.