For the past few weeks, I have noticed a sharp increase in messages supposedly coming from Paypal and Moneybookers asking me to verify my account or receive a money transfer by logging into my account. Sometimes, I will receive four of such messages within one day. Having been previously warned of such type of attempts to steal passwords, I was able to successfully avoid the traps.

For all of you reading this article, regularly run your anti spyware programs (especially prior to logging into your bank accounts), avoid downloading any attachment into the computer that you use to access your sensitive accounts (bank, paypal, credit cards, etc) and never login to your account by clicking on links attached to emailed messages. Always open a new browser and type your bank’s url, instead of clicking into the link specified in an email.

At the moment, there is a serious threat that currently hounds the banking system. A group of hackers were able to successfully create very intelligent software that automatically hacks into bank accounts and empties it within seconds. The victims are specifically targeted after being identified in hacked databases. In this Modus Operandi, victims normally receive emails that contain their names and bank account numbers. They are then asked to download a onetime password or soft token that actually steals their passwords and commences a fast transfer of funds.

At this point, large accounts in some banks in the US, Spain, Italy and the UK have been victimized. Hopefully, the Internet world will be able to solve this problem before greater damages are created. In this world where “the customer is supposed to be always right”, it is sad to admit that the prevailing thought is very still “Caveat Emptor”.