Patent ID: 8646077

Claim:
A computer implemented method, comprising: at a server having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs executed by the one or more processors: receiving an account creation request from an IP address; determining a first count of accounts created in response to requests from the IP address during a first time period; determining a second count of predefined account access operations by accounts created in response to prior account creation requests from the IP address during a second time period, wherein a higher second count represents a lower likelihood that an account created in response to the account creation request from the IP address will be used for sending spam; associating a score, based at least in part on the first count and second count, with the account creation request; and performing an action associated with the account creation request based at least in part on the score, wherein the action includes at least one of refusing the account creation request, modifying an account created in response to the account creation request, accepting the account creation request, and maintaining the account created in response to the account creation request.