Stop Email Scammers During Scam Awareness Month

According to Ultrascan, scammers’ income increased from $6.3 billion in 2008 to $9.3 billion in 2009.

February is Scam Awareness Month – Scamnesty 2010 – under the auspices of the UK Office of Fair Trading. UK Consumers can forward their scam mail and SMSs, and even deliver old-fashioned paper letters to Scamnesty Bins located around the UK. For more information, visit http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/scamnesty/.

Scammers often disguise themselves as banks, social media sites, lotteries, and friendly people asking for your assistance to claim found money.  Consumer Direct also have a great summary of the different types of scams on their website.

Commtouch’s Recurrent Pattern Detection technology blocks spam outbreaks including scam emails before they ever get to user mailboxes.  UK-based companies and hosting services not using Commtouch technology, should actively send received scam emails to Scamnesty. Those already enjoying the end results of Commtouch anti-spam, anti-malware protection, can relax knowing that they will not be funding the island villa of a successful cybercriminal.