Spam forged, Samsung says

Samsung and a lawyer representing the company have found out first-hand the power of the Internet in the hands of someone with malicious intentions.

Since late Friday, a spam accusing Netizens of "Internet terrorism" has been making the rounds, requesting that users "cease and desist from all inflammatory Internet hacking, telephone hacking, flaming, jamming, and other illegal activities."

The email directs all responses to Russell Allyn, counsel for Samsung, and an attorney with Katz, Hoyt, Seigel, and Kapor in Los Angeles.

"If you have responded aversely to a recent bulk email message from our client, Samsung America, or from any of its subsidiary companies, then you may be one of the people who has performed fraudulent and actionable transgressions, thereby causing severe harm to our client," the email in question states.

"Your email name was provided as being suspected of connection to various acts of Internet terrorism. Your acts are illegal," the message adds.

Allyn denied any involvement with the threatening email. "It's not from our office; it's not from me," he said this morning. The suspected perpetrator of the fraud is someone dissatisfied with a settlement in a recent case in which Allyn represented Samsung in, the attorney contended.

"This was his way of seeking retribution," Allyn added.

Allyn's office has been choked by responses. "We have had calls from all 50 states, international calls, some from Sweden, England, Switzerland, all upset at being accused, purportedly by me, of Internet terrorism."

Although it is not clear when the initial email was sent out, by last Friday, the "cease and desist" email included Allyn's office phone and fax number, his California state bar number, and his home phone number.

Allyn said that most who received the spam were understanding when they found out that it was not from him.