MasterCard holders around the world should be really proud of their card because this tiny thing lets you buy all sorts of products with a single click straight from your Internet-connected computer. And what's more important is that it provides remarkable security, especially due to the SecureCode technology implemented by the parent company. However, it seems like phishers out there want to adapt their techniques to the latest security measures and have recently started a phishing scheme supposed to steal MasterCard holders' financial information.

According to security company Sophos, phishers sent lots of fake emails, apparently signed by MasterCard International Inc., which asked credit card holders to register for SecureCode. Although it may look like a traditional phishing attack, it isn't because the email looks like the genuine one while the fake website contains links to the real page and other elements supposed to help it trick people.

"MasterCard has been very successful in positioning SecureCode as the answer to online fraud, and with so many computer users growing increasingly worried about the risks of shopping online, the prospect of greater security and money off can be too much to resist," said Carole Theriault, senior security consultant, Sophos.

"What's more, phishers are putting a lot more effort into their scams these days and to the undiscerning eye, it's almost impossible to tell this isn't the real MasterCard site. Computer users must be wary of simply clicking on links in unsolicited emails and should take time to verify the site address first - it may take a little longer, but will protect your money and identity from preying cybercriminals in the long run. Also, everyone needs to use a little common sense - if it seems too good to be true, it probably is."

Just like usual, a phishing scheme can be easily spotted if you have a single look at the browser address bar because most phishers rely on fake URLs that look similar to the genuine ones. However, it has been proved that many hackers now compromise an original page, so extra-care is recommended even when entering your financial details on a trusted site.