Thanks to SpamGourmet for inviting me post this Announcement. It's regarding legal action against TD Ameritrade that I think users who provided Ameritrade with spamgourmet addresses should join. In particular, the laws are such that at least one class representative is needed who resides in Alabama, Kansas, Illinois, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Washington, Wisconsin, and/or West Virginia. There's some info and a FORM-CLICK HERE.
I use SpamGourmet-like disposable email addresses (DEAs), and used one with my TD Ameritrade account. It got spammed. A cycle began wherein I switched to other DEAs, and and they got spammed too. All the spam was promoting penny stocks, part of a typical pump-n-dump (See http://www.sec.gov/answers/pumpdump.htm) scam, except that Ameritrade was involved.
I brought it to their attention. I was very patient and thorough and clear in trying to explain the situation, so that they would be aware of the evidence and scope of the problem. It became clear that they didn't think maintaining the confidentiality or security of their customer databases was their responsibility. I posted about it on usenet, and confirmed that I was not alone. I bit the bullet, contacted and retained a lawyer. A class action claim has been filed against TD Ameritrade in my name. You can sign on as well. Join the fight! It's since become clear that Ameritrade has been made aware of the ongoing problem many many times over the years.
Again, there's some info and a FORM at http://www.eplaw.us/ameritrade.html ; you can fill out if you might want to join the suit. Mention your handle here if you fill out the form.
For more info, just google ameritrade spam! Questions/comments welcome here or via PM if necessary for privacy reasons.
Also, if you've received spam since June '07 to an address you provided only to TD Ameritrade, please let me know, e.g. mention it here and/or IM me a copy.
Also, if an admin could make this an announcement, that would be great.