Decius wrote:
] ] we've heard confident assertions that there are really
] ] only a dozen or so "kingpins," and equally confident
] ] assertions of 200, or 1000. Frankly, I think the number
] ] is probably larger, because cases against allegedly large
] ] spammers don't seem to affect the overall volume of spam
] ] out there. If there were only a few, those cases should
] ] make a noticeable difference. Or, it could be true that
] ] there really are only 200 at any one time, but it's very
] ] easy for others spammers to enter the business.
]
] The FTC is looking at authentication systems like SPF to
] address the spam problem. They don't believe law enforcement
] can do it.

I believe the FBI dude at SummerCon said that they had
"quite a few" spam investigations underway and wouldn't unseal
the indictments until the cases were airtight.

I think a few (hundred) high-profile prosecutions and people
doing hard time for this shit might make a dent. Then firewall
any country that doesn't come onboard.

Squeeze the spammers from 2 directions:
1. If you get caught sending spam, you will face stiff criminal
penalties.
2. Fix the mail system so that its easier to catch spammers.

RE: The FTC's View on the Spam Problem (washingtonpost.com)