Businesses falling for 'realistic' phishing scams

Date: 4th February 2010

Phishing scams are becoming "very realistic" and "very difficult to spot", according to one online expert.

Tony Neale, managing director of Get Safe Online, has warned that it is getting increasingly difficult to spot fraudulent websites and e-mails.

Mr Neale also said that fraudsters are quick to react to current affairs in order to exploit the good nature of business owners and individuals.

"The latest scams are related to the Haiti earthquake, and they were up within hours," he explained.

"People fall for it. There are people out there trying to do the best thing and give money, and criminals, whether they are organised or opportunistic prey on those sort of people."

The expert's comments come as Office of Fair Trading report revealed that 73 per cent of all phishing scams are now carried out via e-mail.

Get Safe Online aims to help small businesses and private internet users ensure they are secure when they are online.

The body was set up as a joint initiative between the government and the Serious Organised Crime Agency.