3.7 billion phishing emails sent in the last 12 months

[Peaches]

3.7 billion phishing emails sent in the last 12 months

Study finds one in four Brits have fallen victim

Carrie-Ann Skinner

Cybercriminals sent 3.7 billion phishing emails over the last year in a bid to steal money from unsuspecting web users, says CPP. Research by the life assistance company revealed that 55 percent of phishing scams are fake bank emails, which try and dupe web users into giving hackers their credit card number and online banking passwords. Hoax lotteries, competition prize draws and 'Nigerian 419' scams were also among the most common phishing emails.

Furthermore a quarter of Brits admitted to falling for the scams, losing on average £285.

Online banking fraud has surged by 132 percent during the last year. The report also highlighted that 46 percent of web users worry their credit card details will be used to make illegal online purchases.

Story here: http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/securityadvisor/news/index.cfm?newsid=3227091&sa