Bigmouthmedia research reveals rise of Google Phishing
Released
on: May 23, 2008, 9:03 am
Press
Release Author: Bigmouthmedia
Ltd
Industry:
Internet
& Online
Press
Release Summary: Bigmouthmedia warn that online fraudsters are
targeting Google AdWords users
Press
Release Body: Bigmouthmedia has warned that online
fraudsters are targeting Google AdWords users
in an attempt to steal internet traffic and gain access to the
banking details of businesses and individuals.
According
to the latest research from Europe's largest independent digital
marketing agency, the volume of 'phishing' emails designed
to trick customers into handing over their AdWords account login
details has increased rapidly within the last six months. Analysis
of traffic statistics for April reveals a rise of 240% on the
monthly average for 2007.
Although
web users are familiar with fraudulent emails seeking usernames
and passwords for online banking facilities, Google Phishing
is a relatively new phenomenon. Victims are targeted not only
for the details that would leave them open to identity theft,
but also find their AdWords traffic redirected to the perpetrators'
site.
"Google
traffic is as good as cash on the internet, so it was perhaps
inevitable that criminals would begin targeting AdWords
users. Our research shows that 2008 has witnessed a massive leap
in these phishing attempts however, and there is a clear need
for site owners to be aware of the threat," said Lyndsay
Menzies, Managing Director of bigmouthmedia
UK.
"Users
should remember that Google's AdWords team will never send an
unsolicited message asking for your password or other sensitive
information by email."
Notes to Editor:
About
bigmouthmedia
Founded in 1997, bigmouthmedia are leaders in digital marketing,
with a team of over 200 staff across 13 offices in 10 countries
on 3 continents the company maximizes return and exposure for
major brands online through a variety of fully integrated digital
marketing channels: Search
Engine Optimisation, PPC,
Display Advertising, Affiliate Marketing, Social Networking, Brand
Monitoring, Online PR and Web Analytics.
Bigmouthmedia
services big-brand customers globally including: Hilton, British
Airways, Tesco, Aer Lingus, BP, Barclays, Castrol, Conrad International,
Dorling Kindersley, Early Learning Centre, easyCar, Fasthosts,
Jumeirah, Canon, Samsung, Starbucks, Top Man, Debenhams, Which?,
Lacoste, Euler Hermes and Wall Street Institute.
Bigmouthmedia
is a Deloitte Fast Growth winner and a 2007 FT Best Place to Work.
2007 saw the company celebrate its tenth anniversary and global
CEO Steve Leach celebrated a unique hat-trick of major business
awards; UK Entrepreneur of the Year title at the National Business
Awards and National Business Awards for Scotland and UK as well
being named European Entrepreneur at a recent ceremony in Paris.
Web
Site: http://www.bigmouthmedia.com/
Contact
Details: Press Contact (UK):
Emily Thorpe
Marketing Manager (International)
Bigmouthmedia Ltd
51 Timberbush
Edinburgh
EH6 6QH
Tel: (+44)131 561 2179
Fax (+44)131 553 6800
www.bigmouthmedia.com