Netizens in Wisconsin Attacked by Phishing Scam

A latest Internet phishing scam is presently hitting Wisconsin (US) and trying to scam innocent Internet users.

Phishing refers to a scam wherein online scammers send users e-mails masquerading as memos from reputed banks, credit card firms, retailers and government agencies.

The recent phishing movement has been made to dupe computer users into clicking harmful links. Consequently, the system will get infected with Zeus malware.

The mails seem to come from several govt. agencies. However, the links that the users are asked to click do not direct them to an actual government websites.

Cautioning about the phishing campaign, Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen (Wisconsin) stated that it is crucial to be careful when handling unwanted mails, as per the news published by fdlreporter.com on February 17, 2010.

Earlier scammers used to send bogus e-mails claiming to be from credit card firms, now they send e-mails claiming to be from govt. agencies. It is imperative to note that unwanted mails cannot be trusted even if it claims to belong to government agencies.

Therefore, any unsolicited e-mail from the govt. asking for private details should be carefully checked before replying. Users should either check mail addresses with the certified official govt. agency sites or contact the agency personally.

Apart from this, opening phishing e-mails and clicking on fake links provided therein is also considered a major threat as this may result in user's system being infected with harmful programs like Zeus malware. So, users are recommended not to click on the links given in the unsolicited e-mails.

Further, users should thoroughly check their credit card and bank details when they arrive by post. This can help them in tracing unnecessary transactions that may take place without their consent.

Ultimately, security experts informed that initial phishing attacks were recognized because of poor grammar and spelling mistakes, but current attacks have become complicated and are difficult to be suspected. Thus, users are advised to exercise caution while being online.

Related article: Netizens Alerted Against Online Scams Exploiting Global Economic Crisis

» SPAMfighter News - 2/24/2010