Spammers and phishers have been quick to exploit the Haiti tragedy to generate fraud scams, according to the latest MessageLabs Intelligence Report.
Analysis reveals spammers have launched new campaigns related to 2010 events to sustain the high levels of spam experienced toward the end of 2009. The start of 2010 saw the typical special New Year offers for pharmaceuticals, fashion accessories and watches, weight loss products, loans and jobs.
Spammers are now moving away from the New Year themes and are expected to next latch onto Valentine’s Day-related spam topics.
Cyber criminals have also been quick to take advantage of the tragedy that struck Haiti to generate advanced-fee fraud scams. As many countries seek to offer humanitarian aid and relief, the scammers are looking for ways to exploit those donation efforts counting on the public’s concern and desire to help to cloud their good judgment.
The January 2010 MessageLabs Intelligence Report provides greater detail on all of the trends and figures noted above, as well as more detailed geographical and vertical trends.
