Spammers are a wily lot. They will do anything just to send their junk on our inboxes. Veteran computer users can actually see the evolution of spam over the years as these people try to find new ways to send messages to the unsuspecting inboxes of internet users all over the world.

With broadband becoming the standard connection in many countries, file size is not a hindrance anymore for spammers. Because of this they are now employing the otherwise harmless mp3 format as a method of delivering their message. The growing practice now is for spammers to mass email MP3 files where the “spam” message is embedded as audio. It may sound high-tech, but really, it’s just another way to get around the spam filters of email inboxes.

The latest in unwanted electronic communication is an MP3 file that began landing in inboxes around the world last week. It features a spooky, synthesized Darth-Vader-sounding female voice touting the stock of Exit Only Inc., traded on the lower-standard Pink Sheets.

“Hello, this is an investor alert!” the halting, at times unintelligible voice says. Her pitch invokes the growth prospects of Exit Only, a Web site operator that runs Text4Cars.com, which links auto buyers and sellers via text messages.

Computer security researchers say the audio blasts MP3 files with misleading names attached to spam e-mails reflect spammers’ need to slip their messages through increasingly sophisticated e-mail filters.

The MP3s masquerade as cell phone ringtones or carry names like “bartsimpson.mp3″ and “justintimberlake.mp3,” said Keith Crosley, director of market development for Proofpoint Inc., which sells e-mail security software and hardware.

[VIA]