Gold Price Hike Facilitated Spammers

Retail price of gold reached a soaring high of $1,500, an ounce for the first time on April 20, 2011 with the explosive sudden demand of the metal in international market. Provoked by this event, within a couple of hours, Symantec could notice a gush of spam attack with the theme "Subject: Is Gold Your Ticket to a Golden Future?" as reported in Symantec Official Blog on April 21, 2011.

Symantec claimed this kind of hit-and-run spam technique to be a threat renowned for attacking large volumes in a short span. Domains keep on rotating rapidly and send IP hops in a definite 24 IP range.

Spammers advantageously take the privilege of current affairs for which they are ever aware of recent socio-economic and political scenario of a nation. These events may range from natural disasters to celebrities promising to change particular economic situations taking into consideration the latest gold price hike case, unveiled Symantec.

With the sudden rise in gold price beyond the limit of $1,500, investors are turning towards making huge investment in gold and scammers are also arisen to their toes as this event is seemingly interesting to all.

Spammers started sending a hyperlink along with the emails that carries a recipient to a different website offering a 'free investor kit'. This investor kit is further achievable only by providing personal contact information.

To attract recipients, spammers have also used the pictures of certain famous personalities including Glenn Beck. On searching Google, interesting perspective of Beck endorsing gold investment is revealed according to Dermot Harnett, Symantec researcher, reports HELP NET SECURITY on April 21, 2011. This activity unveils some research work being carried about by the spammers, added Harnett.

Symantec could really relate this event to how spammers make money by advantaging on current issues as evident from the economic downturn event of October 2007 during which, spam mails carried the title "Looking to sell your house fast?" and "Get the dough out of your house".

Nonetheless, this spam rush towards investing on gold in fact solidifies entrust more pressure as to if spam emails can be used as an economic indicator.

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» SPAMfighter News - 4/29/2011