Quechup Spam (Updated)

Updated 09/10/07: Patrick Ruffini has more information on address book spam, and Eric Odum talks about this in this week’s episode of his TalkShoe podcast, Electronic Conservative.

Several days ago, I joined a social networking site called Quechup, because of an invitation I received from a trusted friend (who is still a trusted friend, by the way). As is common with social networking sites, I allowed them to check my e-mail address books for friends who were already members of Quechup, so I could find out who I know there, and start building a network there.

Today, I started receiving some strange e-mails, and after little bit of research, discovered that Quechup, without my permission, had e-mailed everyone in my address book an invitation on my behalf to join their site.

This is totally unacceptable, and a violation of privacy. I am in the process of cancelling my account with them, and letting them know my feelings on the matter.

Many FHK members are in my e-mail address book, and if you received one of these invitations, I apologize sincerely. I assure you I have no intention of spamming you all on behalf of any vendor…I don’t like spam, and I don’t send it out. I am truly sorry for any inconvenience.

Update: In the process of sending out mea culpa’s to my friends in my address book, I’m getting responses from others (including my friend that supposedly “invited” me to join this network) that the same thing had happened to them. If this has happened to you, please let us know by leaving a comment in this thread.