Beware of the latest Internet e-mail scam called “Whaling”, advised Shaun Wallis, CEO, HSBC Bank Malta plc. It is called Whaling because fraudsters are trying to get the biggest fish they can hook.

They target senior businessmen and people who are generally affluent and stand more to lose, both personally and professionally.

“While we are not aware of these e-mails appearing in Malta, we feel we should let our customers know of this latest scam since Malta is not immune to phishing or whaling and we should all be aware of these rogue e-mails.”

The latest volley of e-mail messages masquerade as an official subpoena requiring the recipient to appear before a federal grand jury (in the USA) or court. The e-mails correctly address CEOs and other high-ranking executives by their name and include their phone number and company name.

Recipients who click on a link that offers a more detailed copy of the subpoena are taken to a website that informs them they must install a browser add-on in order to read the document. Either clicking on the link or clicking “yes” to the browser, actually installs unauthorised software called “backdoor and key-logging software” that steals any information typed by the recipient on the computer, such as sensitive correspondence, including log-in credentials used on websites by banks and other sensitive organisations.

“It is known that on a worldwide basis thousands of executives received the e-mail and many of these ‘took the bait’ particularly in the UK recently. I reiterate that we are not aware of these e-mails appearing in Malta but everyone should understand the potential consequences if they respond to these emails,” concluded Mr Wallis. “We suggest you use anti-virus software, anti-spyware, personal firewalls and keep them updated.”