Phishers try eBay closure ruse

Phishers are pretending eBay may close as a ruse to tempt users into handing over their log-in details.

Internet security firm Sophos said the new scam claimed that the auction website would close for business on 27 February. The e-mails ask recipients to vote on whether they agree with the decision.

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According to the message, 50% of eBay members must disagree for the site to stay open. However, clicking on a voting link takes the recipient to a phishing website that poses as eBay, and which is designed to steal information from users. 

Sophos said the phishing website was hosted on a hacked server belonging to a UK law firm.

Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos, said, "It's unlikely that many people will believe that such a successful website as eBay is considering calling it quits, but they might think it is a teaser campaign by the auction giant for some other kind of promotion.”

Last year, Sophos reported that more than 75% of all phishing e-mails were targeted at customers of eBay or its PayPal subsidiary.

More information:

eBay phishing e-mail

UK 070 numbers used in lottery e-mail scams

Comment on this article: computer.weekly@rbi.co.uk