Spimming, like spamming, involves the sending of commercial messages to recipients without their prior consent. Unlike spamming, however, spimmers specifically target the users of IM or chat rooms, rather than the e-mail inboxes of internet users.
According to reports, Anthony Greco was arrested after he had targeted the users of on-line community MySpace.com, opening thousands of accounts and using them to send adverts over the site's IM service to thousands of fellow members.
He then threatened to tell other spammers how to target the networking site, unless he was given an exclusive marketing contract with MySpace.com, reports the LA Times.
Authorities arrested the youth after a sting operation lured him to Los Angeles International Airport. He has been charged with attempted blackmail and breaching anti-spam legislation.
Assistant US Attorney Biran Hoffstadt confirmed that Greco's arrest was the first made in connection with spimming.
"We're just beginning to get the tip of the iceberg," he told the LA Times. "This could be a new wave as on-line communities start up."
