[pchelpers] Article:Criminal Gangs Behind Phishing Scams

By Christopher S. Rugaber 
July 27, 2007 9:50AM 

Phishing scams are popular among identity thieves, with the number of
phishing Web sites jumping to 37,438 in May, more than triple the 11,976
reported in May 2006. Phishing can carry significant economic costs for
the victims and rewards for the perpetrators. Consumers lost an
estimated $630 million to phishing scams in the previous two years.

The federal agency charged with protecting consumers from Internet scams
now finds itself wrapped up in one. Identity thieves have sent thousands
of bogus e-mails purporting to be from the Federal Trade Commission --
as well as the Internal Revenue Service and Justice Department -- in an
attempt to trick consumers into divulging personal financial
information. 

The agencies are the latest institutions to be exploited in "phishing"
scams, long the bane of large banks and credit card issuers.

Analysts who track online crime say that while financial institutions
are still the most commonly hijacked brands, the use of federal agencies
in the hoaxes is increasing and reflects criminals' desire to take
advantage of the familiarity and authority of various government
departments.

More here:
http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=123003YI50I9
-- 
John Durham
Site http://modecideas.com
Server hosted on Ubuntu 4.10
Good advice is like good paint. It only works when applied.



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