ROSSLYN BEEBY

February 5, 2010

The global carbon market has been crippled by a cyberscam allowing fraudsters to steal and sell more than 250,000 carbon permits valued at about $5 million.

The cyber-criminals launched a ''phishing attack'', sending thousands of emails to companies around the world including Australia and New Zealand involved in the European Union's carbon trading network.

The emails claimed online security needed to be upgraded urgently.

They asked companies to re-register their trading details with the German Emissions Trading Authority, which records all carbon credits and transactions for the EU market.

Those who fell for the ploy were directed to a fake emissions registry website with the authority's logo. The scam allowed the cyber-criminals to capture security codes and passwords needed to gain access to company accounts, enabling them to steal carbon permits and resell them through trading accounts registered in Denmark and Britain.

See, nothing good comes from Carbon trading!

When online criminal groups begin targeting a web service, then you know for sure its about money. This just goes to show once again that money is the root of the 'so-called-solution'.

Sylvestor

PROMISES that special chemicals could duplicate money have allegedly duped three Victorian businesses.

Police said the businesses gave about $160,000 in cash to two men in the belief their money would double when soaked in chemicals, the Stonnington Leader reported.

A supermarket receipt, uncovered during investigations, has since revealed the chemical formula as bleach, baby powder and hair spray.

Police said the two men would conduct the "procedure" out of sight each time, transfer the money into their possession, then wrap up worthless pap er in aluminium foil or another non-see-through casing.

Detective Sgt Andrew Healey said the business owners were told to leave the wrapped package for 24 hours while the chemical worked.

All I can say is...you dick heads! Seriously! WTF!

Yes, people really can be dumb sometimes. Next time just send me the cash instead - at least you know it will go to a good home and you won't feel quite so embarrassed!

Sylvestor
www.twitter.com/Sylvestor