Online fraudsters are eyeing Google AdWords users in order to steal internet traffic and get access to the banking details of businesses and individuals.

Data shows that the volume of 'phishing' emails meant to lure customers into revealing their AdWords account login details has registered a rapid increase in the last six months. Traffic statistics for April indicates an increase of 240 percent on the monthly average for 2007.

Even though web users are acquainted with fraudulent emails targeting usernames and passwords for online banking facilities, the phenomenon known as Google Phishing is relatively new and implies the use of search engines by phishers to drive traffic to illegitimate sites. Victims are targeted for the details that leave them vulnerable to identity theft and their AdWords traffic is redirected to the perpetrators' site.

Data was provided by digital marketing agency Bigmouthmedia.