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| CURRENT SECTION :: TechZone | UK's most visited IT Contractor Site - 250k unique visitors March 2008 |
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Having a good grasp of the tax breaks unveiled yesterday by Chancellor Alistair Darling may save computer users money in a way that his statement failed to mention. Security experts said that malicious emails they intercepted claim ‘the UK Government and Ministry of Finance’ has cut tax for men aged between 33 and 55. Unsuspecting users who wish to learn more about claiming £450 or £650 for “family maintenance” are directed to a plausible-looking web page showing blank data fields. The fields, designed to make the request more creditable, invite taxpayers interested in the rebate to input their details like their age, marital status and number of children. Security experts at Sophos, who detected the scam, said taxpayers who enter their details could help fraudsters build identity profiles on them for other criminal activity. However they also pointed out some of the spelling used in the unsolicited mail and the nature of questions on the data fields should alert users they are being hoaxed. “At a time when many people will be uncertain about their finances and job security, cybercriminals have clearly been quick to take advantage of the situation,” said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos. He advised computer users who want to know about tax cuts should monitor known information portals and ignore emails promising eligibility in return for personal details. Nov 25, 2008 Email this article Printer friendly page Previous Page
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