Focus On: Spam

The latest PayPal phishing expedition... ------ From: service@paypal.com Subject: Your Paypal Account Dear PayPal user, Your account has been flagged in our system as a part of our routine security measures. This is a must to ensure that only you have access and use of your paypal account and to ensure a safe PayPal experience. We require all flagged accounts to verify their information on file with us. To verify your information, please click here. Thank you for using PayPal! ------ Before you respond... If you're using Outlook, right click and View Source. Note that logos and gifs really link to www.paypal.com. However, under "please click here" lurks www1-paypal.com. A whois check from our tool site ...

'Tis the season. Egg nog... nativities... shiny baubles... gift and financial pitches... Buckle your seat belt. Christmas is coming. See Also:Christmas Message: Don't Open That E-Card; Email Battles; 15 December 2004.Don't open that AOL IM Christmas card; Email Battles; 7 December 2005.E-Greeting Cards Hide Bombs; Email Battles; 15 October 2003.Spam Filters Mangle Christmas Cards; Email Battles; 9 December 2005.See for yourself at Webuser.

Pfizer has discovered that finding Viagra spammers and shutting down illicit websites is the easy part of the job. The hard part is keeping them shut down.

Because the Crown noticed that the European Union's Privacy and Electronic Communications Directive has holes through which an Airbus could fly, the UK Information Commissioner this week issued a stern notice that Brits can still rely on the UK's own Data Protection Act. Whoopee.

It's social engineering at its finest. This Norwegian phisher almost makes you mad enough to click the Respond button before your brain clicks in. Never mind the fact that he spammed your no-eBay email account.