IT security experts warned today of a "widespread phishing email campaign" that tries to swindle unwary recipients by pretending to offer a cash prize from Gmail, Google's popular free email service.
The emails claim that the recipient has been randomly selected for a $500 cash prize, and that the money can be paid automatically if they **** on the embedded web link. Part of the email reads as follows:
'You won $500! Gmail congratulates you!
CONGRATULATIONS!
YOU WON $500!
Gmail gives members random cash prizes. Today, your account is randomly selected as the one of 12 top winners accounts who will get cash prizes from us. Please **** the link below and follow instructions on our web site. Your money will be paid directly to your e-gold, PayPal, StormPay or MoneyBookers account.'
The embedded link takes users to a web page saying that there has been a problem sending the payment. They are then asked to enter their bank details and pay a membership fee of $8.60.
"Of course this email wasn't really sent by the folks at Gmail, and the $500 cash prize doesn't exist. Anyone tempted to try and collect it is in danger of walking straight into a trap set by these fraudsters," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.
"People need to learn that there is no such thing as a free lunch, and be much more wary of unsolicited email communications whoever they may appear to come from."
Sophos revealed in a survey earlier this year that 58 per cent of people receive at least one phishing email every day.
