Bigmouthmedia is warning that online fraudsters are targeting Google AdWords users in an attempt to steal internet traffic and gain access to the banking details of businesses and individuals.

According to research from the digital marketing agency, the volume of 'phishing' emails designed to trick customers into handing over their AdWords account login details has increased rapidly within the last six months. Analysis of traffic statistics for April reveals a rise of 240% on the monthly average for 2007. Victims are targeted not only for the details that would leave them open to identity theft, but also find their AdWords traffic redirected to the perpetrators' site.

"Google traffic is as good as cash on the internet, so it was perhaps inevitable that criminals would begin targeting AdWords users. Our research shows that 2008 has witnessed a massive leap in these phishing attempts however, and there is a clear need for site owners to be aware of the threat," said Todd Rosen, Head of Operations at bigmouthmedia NYC. "Users should remember that Google's AdWords team will never send an unsolicited message asking for your password or other sensitive information by email."