Cyber illegal are launching even more targeted attacks at Irish computer users. Native Irish-language speakers are being spammed As Gaeilge and are no longer just random spam receiver.

According to electronic security firm ESET Ireland, Irish speakers apparently seem to deserve the attention of cyber criminals on the increased level, which prompts them to construct scamming emails, even in Gaelic language, in the hope they will convince potential victims that the email is directed at them and genuine.

Here is an example of such a scam email:

Subject: GNO TOGRA
Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 04:32:59 +0100
From: Mr. Patrick K. W. Chan

Aire
Ta me an tUasal Patrick KW Chan an Stiurthoir Feidhmiuchain agus Priomh-Oifigeach airgeadais Hang Seng Bank Ltd, Hong Cong.
Tá mé togra gnó brabúsaí leasa choitinn a roinnt le leat;
Baineann se leis an aistriú suim mhór airgid.
Fuair me do tagairt i mo cuardach a dheanamh ar dhuine a oireann mo chaidreamh gno molta.
Mata suim agat i obair liom teagmhail a dhéanamh liom mo tri r-phost priobhaideach le haghaidh tuilleadh sonrai
Dearbhofar do fhreagra tuisce chun an litir seo a mhor.
An tUasal Patrick Chan