Malicious e-mail attacks that look like PDF reader updates have been increasing in volume since the middle of June, according to Symantec Hosted Services.The phishing e-mails do not attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in the PDF format or link to malware disguised as a fake new PDF reader, but target credit card information instead.

The phishing e-mail links to a professional-looking page made to advertise fictitious new PDF reader software, which in turn links to another site that uses social engineering techniques, such as offers of free software and other gifts, to encourage victims to pay for membership. Victims are asked to enter their credit card details on a payment page that includes the logos of the top credit card providers and the logos of their secure payment systems.

The phishing scam is designed to capture these credit card details and is extremely dangerous because the site looks legitimate, said Jo Hurcombe, AV operations engineer at Symantec.

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