Microsoft to prosecute European phishers

by admin March 21, 2006 at 1:07 pm

More than 50 across the continent – four of them in the UK

Microsoft is filing lawsuits against more than 50 Europeans as part of a crackdown on phishing scammers.

The software company said it had managed to get ISPs which host phishing websites to hand over information so it can identify the people behind them.

Four UK nationals are to face legal action, which could include “formal complaints, action in court and settlements against serious criminals”, the company said.

Neil Holloway, Microsoft’s European president, said: “If we live in a world where the internet is not safe to the user, they are less likely to use the technology.”

He denied that the lawsuits are part of a publicity move to boost the company’s image. “I don’t think it’s a about branding but about making sure our customers have a secure experience,” he said.

Read more: silicon.com