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Yesterday, American Online (AOL) decided to sue various phishing “gangs,” seeking $18 million in damages. These organizations specialize in deceiving users through fraudulent emails and websites to obtain personal and financial information. Interestingly, AOL has not yet clearly identified these organizations.
To pursue this lawsuit, AOL relied on a state anti-phishing law established in July 2005 in Virginia. This lawsuit also utilizes federal laws related to trademark issues and anti-spam regulations.
AOL’s target includes over 30 organizations that engage in fraudulent activities, many of which are located outside the United States. Through this lawsuit, AOL hopes to shed more light on the operations of these organizations. They have also indicated that the number of “defendants” may exceed 30 if the case progresses.
The company alleges that some phishing organizations have sent deceptive emails to AOL and Compuserve users. The emails contain links to websites that closely resemble those of well-known companies. The primary goal is to acquire information regarding bank accounts, credit cards, and even AOL usernames.
Interestingly, Virginia law does not allow individuals to sue phishing organizations. Therefore, even if AOL wins the case, it will not benefit customers who have already been deceived. The funds acquired will be used to… continue litigation to gradually eliminate the current phishing situation.
AOL has collected over 10,000 anonymous emails as evidence for the lawsuit. However, the company still has not identified the “identities” of these organizations.
Phishing has become an extremely serious issue for societies like the United States, where the Internet has become an essential aspect of social life, and e-commerce is one of the key services.
The Anti-Phishing Working Group has identified over 50,000 fraudulent websites last year, with 7,000 of those discovered just in December alone.
AOL will not be alone in this fight.
TRẦN HUY
