Taking advantage of the low cost of VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, thieves have now begun luring victims to fake automated call centers via a new kind of phishing attack.

An Azusa, Calif., man was arrested on federal charges Thursday after allegedly using fake e-mail accounts to trick America Online Inc. users into sending him their personal and credit card information so he could make illegal purchases with their information.

Authorities in Bulgaria arrested eight people last week who allegedly stole financial information using a variety of fake Web pages carrying Microsoft Corp. logos, netting the group at least US$50,000.