spamming - sending mass emails to prospective customers, can I get sued?

Question

lets say I do a mass mailing to potential customers, is that considered spamming and illegal? can I get sued?

Answer 1

Sending unsolicited emails is frowned upon. You can:

- irritate potential customers and instead drive them away from your business
- your ISP account can be terminated if recipients complain to your ISP
- if you have a website, your website can be shut down by your web host if you are spamming
- and yes, in extreme cases, you can be sued

Here are cases where the spammer is sued, and even the Federal Trade Commission gets into the action (first link)

http://www.ftc.gov/os/caselist/0423085/0423085.htm
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,116795-page,1/article.html
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/12/29/uk_spam_win/

Answer 2

If it is an unsolicited email (meaning they didn't sign up for anything at your website or other way) then it is considered spam, and in some cases, illegal and you can be sued - depending on the contents of the email.

Answer 3

there is a possibility... if telemarketers can get sued.... then there's a risk.

i wouldn't count on it.. more likely you'll be filtered... or if you have a business # you may get calls to stop.

if you don't then the risk is increased.