Q&As

TICKETMASTER: is out with a new gift card program.

MySpace.com announced yesterday it is suing Scott Richter — a man who was once considered one of the world’s most prolific spammers, but who said he changed his ways in 2005.

Insurance giant American International Group Inc. (AIG) has opened a bilingual customer service call center in Houston.

Story Worldwide has acquired Byte Interactive LLC for undisclosed terms. The combined agencies employ more than 160 people in Seattle, New York, South Norwalk, CT and London.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have arrested Mark Eldon Wilson, 45, and Carrie Hope, 31, a couple living in Kelowna, BC, Canada, for allegedly selling bogus credit card protection plans via telemarketing in the U.S.

Dr Pepper is out with a treasure hunt that sends people across the U.S. on a search for 23 hidden gold coins worth a collective $1.7 million.

Energy-bar maker Clif Bar & Co. is worried about global warming, and it’s using a promotional tour to rally consumers to do something about it.

Kimberly Clark and daytime talk show The View are out with a sweepstakes awarding free room makeovers worth $25,000 each.

The Washington, DC-based International Spy Museum offers a variety of its cloak-and-dagger inspired wares. Its 16-page catalog features “the best in spy gear, games and gadgets.” The Fresh Air Fund has mailed a bovine-themed #10 envelope: The package touts inner-city children’s experiences with animals, and has an ask ladder of $15/$25/$50/$100/$150/other. And International Male’s latest catalog, a 76-page book, offers a free one-year subscription to Details magazine with every order in excess of $100.

News item: The latest online scam is an email allegedly from a hired killer contracted to murder the recipient. According to the message, the killer has had second thoughts, and is willing to forego the swift completion of his appointed rounds — for a price.