Fake MSNBC news alerts push spam

Spammers are changing tactics again slightly, but sticking with the basic new theme of disguising spam under the banner of news.

Spam filters and inboxes flooded with bogus CNN news alerts could only afford a brief sigh of relief with these types of emails tapering off, only to be replaced with similar messages masquerading as breaking news updates from rival MSNBC.

"Sadly, the latest salvo of spam hitting our inboxes is likely to trick unsuspecting email users with its topical headlines and the seemingly trusted source," Sophos' senior technology consultant, Graham Cluley warned.

"But by now everyone should be well aware of this kind of dirty trick and should never click on links in unsolicited emails."

Just in case it isn't obvious, if you get an email claiming to be from MSNBC saying that 'Mary-Kate Olsen responsible for Heath Ledger’s death' or that 'McDonald's found to breach FDA regulations, suspended from trading', then in the words of the great Admiral Ackbar: "It's a trap! "

Besides we all know that The INQUIRER is best place for breaking news that matters. µ