The operators of the now defunct needapassword.com successfully – and illegally – obtained over 6000 email passwords.

The operators of the now defunct needapassword.com successfully – and illegally – obtained almost 6000 email passwords.

The two men responsible built their business model around clients who wanted to read their spouse or partner’s emails fearing they were cheating.

The company offered peace of mind for between 50 and 350 dollars, and also did their part to justify the measure.

At one time the site’s welcome page read, "You have the right to read the personal thoughts your spouse is writing to others."

On a separate occasion it encouraged breaking into the account of your betrothed in the interest of promoting an ‘open and honest’ relationship.

The authorities, however, don’t agree with their assertions, and now each of the men is facing a 5-year prison sentence.

It’s known that they often used a technique called ‘spear fishing’, in which they tricked the target into providing sensitive account information as a means of obtaining it.

They would then supply their client with proof of password and a request for payment.

The FBI has located an account with approximately 150 thousand dollars in it they believe belongs to the accused.
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