WASHINGTON DC — A new kind of Internet scam entices victims with a promise of low-cost airline tickets, in a fraud aimed simply at stealing credit card numbers, an online security firm warned. Panda Software said the scheme may be effective because it does not use e-mail but paid listings when a Web user conducts a search with an Internet search engine such as Google. "The real aim of these web pages is not to sell anything, but to get users to enter their credit card details which will then fall into the hands of cyber-crooks," California-based Panda said. Panda said the sites, which it did not identify, had been shut down, but warned that others may crop up in their place. The websites ask customers to enter personal details, including their credit card number. But once the details have been entered, an error page is displayed telling the user that the transaction has been unsuccessful, to prolong the illusion. Instructions are offered on how to pay for the ticket by postal money order. "This, in fact, means that the user could actually fall victim to the fraud twice," Panda said, first through the loss of credit card information, and second, if they send the requested amount by money order. | | A new internet scam, which combines cheap airfares and Google Ads, aims to steal credit card numbers. "This kind of online fraud differs from those witnessed previously," said Luis Corrons, director of PandaLabs, "The malicious user does not contact the person interested in buying the product, but it is actually the buyer, in searching for the best prices online, who goes to the fraudulent web page. This creates a false sense of security that can lead users to proceed with the transaction." Panda advised Internet users to rely on established and trusted websites and to investigate any new sites offering unusual bargains. |
