Anti-virus experts have welcomed the news that a man known as the "Timeshare spammer" has been sentenced to one year in jail under the United States CAN-SPAM act.

Peter Moshou, 37, has been sentenced to spend 12 months in a federal prison and will have to pay US$120,000 in fines. The man, from Auburndale, Florida, sent millions of unsolicited spam emails advertising brokerage services for people interested in selling their timeshares.
 
By forging the "from" address in emails he sent, using deceptive subject lines, failing to provide an unsubscribe option, and other offences, Moshou fell foul of the CAN-SPAM act which has also successfully snared other spammers.

"In their search for a quick buck, spammers don't mind making life more miserable for millions of internet users. We applaud the law enforcement authorities for pursuing this case through to its conclusion," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for anti-virus vendor Sophos. "The 'timeshare spammer' will have plenty of time to reflect on his crimes now he's behind bars."