NPSA Fights Internet Fraud With Web Alerts

KANSAS CITY, MO. (July 31 2007) – Today's Internet threat environment is characterized by an increase in data theft, data leakage and the creation of targeted, malicious code for the purpose of stealing confidential information that can be used for financial gain, according to the latest Internet Security Threat Report from Symantec. The National Portable Storage Association, , a nonprofit membership association dedicated to the advancement of the portable storage industry, is helping the storage industry fight back with timely alerts about e-mail scams.

Symantec reports high levels of coordinated attacks combining spam, malicious code, and online fraud. During the second half of 2006, spam made up 59 percent of all monitored e-mail traffic marking a steady increase over the first six months of 2006. Over the last six months of 2006, Symantec detected a total of 166,248 unique phishing messages, an average of 904 per day, marking a 6 percent increase over the first six months of 2006. Phishing messages attempt to get the recipient to disclose personal information that bad guys can use to steal their identities.

"Part of the solution to malicious spam lies in software products, but part of the solution also lies in vigilance," said John Finnessy, CMP, Executive Director the NPSA. "The NPSA is keeping a close watch for e-mail scams that affect our membership and we have been successful in sounding the alarm and preventing the victimization of containerized storage vendors. The bottom line is this: don't click on any links in an e-mail from a person or company you don't know. You never know what's malicious software could get installed on your site."

One recent NPSA alert tipped the industry off to e-mails coming from West Africa. The e-mails contained fraudulent offers. Several e-mails targeted portable storage vendors. Each e-mail had a similar format and a generic salutation. The e-mails are cordial, but quickly request information from the recipient. Other e-mails request equipment and ask that the recipient contact a freight company by clicking an e-mail link. If the recipient clicks the link, they are escorted to a malicious site.

One e-mail reads: "MY NAME IS JAMES AND I WIL LIKE TO KNOW WEATHER U DO CARRY CARGO CONTAINERS INSTOCK. AND IF U DO CARRY THEM REPLY ME BACK SO THAT I CAN LET YOU KNOW THE SIZE, AND THE QUANTIY I WANT..AND ONCE AGAIN I WILL LIKE YOU TO KNOW THAT I AM SHIPPING THE CARGO CONTAINERS TO ONE OF MY COMPANYS IN WEST AFRICA……BUT I WILL HANDLE THE SHIPPING CHARGES……THANK YOU"

"Cybercriminals are alive and well, despite the recent arrest of the so-called Spam King," said NPSA Operations Manager Joel Rathbone. "Here at the NPSA, we strive to alert the industry to these types of scams and report them to the proper authorities. Together, we can make a difference and reduce the number of victims of these Internet crimes."

For more information, visit www.npsa-us.org.

The National Portable Storage Association
The National Portable Storage Association is dedicated to the advancement of the portable storage industry. We at the NPSA are here to serve those in the portable storage industry who rent, sell or lease containers, trailers and mobile offices. The NPSA assists members with industry, regulatory and workforce issues; plus, offers members networking, marketing and legislative support at national, state and local levels.

PR Contact:
Jennifer LeClaire
Self Storage Promotions
954.454.0072
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