Email scam exploits volcanic ash cloud victims

Hackers have been attempting to make money out of those unfortunate enough to have their flights cancelled earlier in the month following the eruption of the Icelandic volcano and the disruption of flights over UK and European airspace.

Affected travellers are now being warned of a barrage of scam emails which are designed to look like they originate from the Civil Aviation Authority. This email claims the recipient is entitled to compensation up to the value of £2,000 if they pay an administration fee and also hand over personal information such as passport details.

The emails in question are claimed to be signed by "Frank Adam, chief consumer protection office at the CAA". However, speaking to the BBC a spokesperson for the CAA warned consumers: "I can categorically say this email has nothing to do with us. It's a scam - and we'll be asking the police to investigate… If you reply, you'll be asked for an 'administration fee' before your payment can be released and you'll never see a penny."

Meanwhile, editor of the Scam Detectives website (a site set up to raise consumer awareness for email, employment and charity scams) urged consumers to delete the email immediately if they receive it, and not response at all: "You will either be asked for an "administration fee" to release your payment, or be sent a fake cheque and be asked to send the fee by wire transfer once you've paid the cheque into your account. Either way, you'll be stitched up by scammers taking advantage of current affairs to get their hands on your cash!".