Security news
Security news7 August 2006
Suspected email scam ringleader arrested in Nigeria Gang said to have stolen $2 million from innocent internet users
Email scams attempt to fool innocent computer users out of their savings
Experts at SophosLabs™, Sophos's global network of virus, spyware and spam analysis centers, have reminded internet users to be on their guard against email scams as news breaks of a major arrest in Lagos, Nigeria.
Police in Amsterdam claim that the ringleader of an email scam that stole up to two million US dollars has been arrested in Nigeria's economic capital, where more than 50 suspects are also waiting for court appearances on similar charges. This latest arrest follows the apprehension earlier this year of 12 Nigerians based in the Netherlands, believed to have tricked innocent people into investing in non-existing money-making schemes.
"Millions of computer users around the world see these bogus emails in their inboxes every day, claiming to offer fortunes in the form of fake lottery wins or inheritances to the unwary," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. "These emails aren't sent for fun - they really do work, and people are falling for the confidence trick all the time and ending up with their bank accounts raided. The con trick, known as a 419 scam, is big business and computer crime authorities around the world need to work in co-ordination to break the gangs behind them."
419 scams are named after the relevant section of the Nigerian penal code where many of the scams originated and are unsolicited emails where the author offers a large amount of money. Once a victim has been drawn in, requests are made from the fraudster for private information which may lead to requests for money, stolen identities, and financial theft.
"Nigeria is a major hub for this kind of criminal activity, and it's good to see the authorities making arrests there even though the victims may be as far away as the United States, UK or Australia," continued Cluley.
Sophos recommends that businesses protect themselves with a consolidated solution against the threats of spam, spyware and viruses; and that users exercise caution when receiving unsolicited emails.
Download now
- SQL injection attacks are the biggest threat
- 90% of malware on legitimate sites
- Hackers exploit Web 2.0
About Sophos
Sophos enables enterprises all over the world to secure and control their IT infrastructure. Sophos's network access control, endpoint, web and email solutions simplify security to provide integrated defenses against malware, spyware, intrusions, unwanted applications, spam, policy abuse, data leakage and compliance drift. With over 20 years of experience, Sophos protects over 100 million users in nearly 150 countries with its reliably engineered security solutions and services. Recognized for its high level of customer satisfaction and powerful yet easy-to-use solutions, Sophos has received many industry awards, as well as positive reviews and certifications.
Sophos is headquartered in Boston, US and Oxford, UK. More information is available at www.sophos.com
