Big deal for AOL subscribers: a 2002 Porsche Boxster S

Spammer's loss is AOL's big prize

U.S. subscribers can sign up for chance to win 2002 Porsche seized in settlement of lawsuit.

By Anick Jesdanun
Associated Press
March 30, 2004



NEW YORK -- Finally, some payback for all that spam: A 2002 Porsche Boxster S will be the prize in an America Online sweepstakes launching today.


This 2002 Porsche Boxster S was obtained in settlement of a lawsuit against "a guy who by our estimates made more than a million dollars from spamming," said an AOL executive. -- Linda Spillers / Associated Press



AOL obtained the car in a lawsuit against "a guy who by our estimates made more than a million dollars from spamming," said Randall Boe, AOL executive vice president and general counsel.

Although the company previously has won cash judgments and destroyed computers used in spamming, Boe said this case "represents us moving beyond that to the fruits of spam. We'll take cars, houses, boats, whatever we can find and get ahold of."

The sweepstakes is open until April 8. Current adult AOL subscribers living in the continental United States are eligible, and they can enter only online.

The two-door silver-gray metallic Porsche has 18,000 miles, a leather interior and retails for $47,000, according to AOL.

Boe refused to offer details about the spammer, citing confidentiality terms of the settlement. He would say only that the spammer was sued in April 2003 and that the car had California plates.

In that round of five federal lawsuits, AOL targeted individuals and companies accused of sending a combined 1 billion junk messages to AOL members, pitching pornography, college degrees and multiple products.

Boe said seized assets are usually in cash and go to pay lawyers, develop anti-spam technology and expand the anti-spam team. He said spammers are often forced to sell houses or other tangible assets.

AOL made an exception in this case and took the car because of its "symbolic value," Boe said. "Here was a spammer who made some money fast. He bought himself a Porsche."