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Weight loss spam emails expected to rise

Internet users have been warned to expect a barrage of email scams and spam emails offering help with weight loss, as the festive season takes centre stage, it has emerged.

The weight loss related messages are designed to take advantage of the over-indulging that normally comes with such holidays as Thanksgiving and Christmas as many people may want to lose weight afterwards, says an internet security expert.

One such message has been spotted by online security specialists, highlighting the fact that such messages are already doing the rounds, according to the expert.

"Spam about losing weight is something we see all year round, but there is usually a surge in its popularity after a major holiday like Christmas," says Graham Cluley of Sophos.

"Just remember - the only reason that spammers bombard our inboxes is because people buy the goods that they are selling. Don't encourage them - don't buy, don't try, don't reply."

Cyber crooks can also use spamming to steal sensitive personal information, which can be used for ID theft.

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