Criminals today are finding new ways to break the law. In this technologically advanced age we are in, new internet crimes are being reported all over the world. Some crimes are more serious than others, such as identity theft and hacking, but other offenses are cropping up as well. For example, have you ever opened your e-mail only to find it so overflowing with spam you can’t even find what you are looking for? Ever think to yourself, spam should be illegal! Well one man learned it sometimes is.

Spam e-mails have landed a thirty-five year old Louisville Colorado man behind bars.

It has been reported that Edward Davidson sent hundreds of thousands of spam email, many to stock investors. The purpose of the e-mails was to influence stock markets and trick some investors.

After pleading guilty to tax evasion and fabricating e-mail headers, Davidson was sentenced to 21 months in prison. In addition to incarceration, Davidson will also be required to pay over $700,000 to the I.R.S.

By transmitting e-mails for almost twenty companies, he reportedly made around $3.5 million.

Hopefully this sentence will send a message to other spammers. Mass distribution of spam may seem like an easy way to make money, but the laws are quickly cracking down on such practices.

While spam in itself is not illegal, the intention of the spam could be. The majority of spam e-mails in circulation today are simply advertisements. In other words, they are the technological equivalent of paper junk mail. However, spam which is designed to deceive a recipient by either tricking them into fraudulent business endeavors or to just outright steal personal information is highly illegal. It is important to find a true anti spam solution in order to avoid being hit by these scams.

Today’s laws are quickly changing to accommodate these new cyber criminals, and people like Edward Davidson will be held accountable for their actions.