Experts at SophosLabs™, Sophos's global network of virus and
spam analysis centres, have discovered a spam campaign attempting
to recruit internet users to a "make money fast" scheme. In a sick
twist, the spam campaign exploits interest in Pope John Paul II
whose funeral was held in Rome on Friday.
The spam campaign arrives in the form of an email claiming to
offer a "free" collection of books by Pope John Paul II.
|
| The email claims to offer free copies of books
written by the late Pope. |
The emails claim that recipients can receive free copies of the
books by clicking on a link, but this in fact takes users to a
website which says that the offer is not available in the user's
location, and automatically redirects them to a website offering
advice on "free money-making secrets", with no mention of the late
Pope.
|
| The spam email really links to a website offering
'free money making secrets'. |
"Spammers are prepared to plumb the depths in their attempt to
get internet users to buy their goods or services. The Pope's death
has been mourned by millions around the world, yet for the spammers
it's just another opportunity to sell their unwanted wares," said
Graham Cluley,
senior technology consultant for Sophos. "Everyone should defend
their email systems with industrial strength anti-spam software,
and follow best practise advice, to minimise the nuisance of
spam."
In February, a campaign apparently masterminded by the same
group of spammers tried to encourage computer users to visit their
website by making a bogus offer of the next Harry Potter book.
Sophos PureMessage has been proactively protecting businesses
around the world from this latest spam campaign since it first
appeared the day before the Pope's funeral last week.
Sophos recommends companies protect themselves with a consolidated solution which can defend businesses
from the threats of both spam and viruses.
Sophos is headquartered in Boston, US and Oxford, UK. More information is available at www.sophos.com.