Spam Uses Ministry of Finance and Bank of Philippine Islands as Baits

 Analysis by: Jude Bordallo

Trend Micro received a sample email notification supposedly from the Federal Ministry of Finance of Malaysia. In the said message, recipients are informed that two gentlemen are claiming to be representatives of the recipients' fund amounting to $10.5 million. The message also uses Bank of the Philippine Islands, in an attempt to make the message appear legitimate. To confirm, the mail advises recipients to reply together with specific personal details.

However, this message is obviously a ruse as it contains glaring grammatical errors and the subject of the message is not professional-sounding. Users must be cautious of such messages and make it a habit to check the format, content, and grammar of any messages they receive from unknown senders. Immediately delete these dubious-looking messages from the inbox and do not readily disclose personal information.

 SPAM BLOCKING DATE / TIME: December 26, 2011 GMT-8
 TMASE INFO
  • ENGINE:6.8
  • PATTERN:8606