Ireland-based SMEs (short for Small and Medium Enterprises) are experiencing an increase in scamming attempts, as reported by a recently issued survey conducted by the Irish Small and Medium Enterprise Association (ISME). Attackers resort to phishing type attempts, as well as false invoices and international business directories.

"In the past couple of weeks, numerous companies have received invoices and 'update' requests from companies based in Switzerland, the Netherlands and Spain. This information is sought ostensibly to update a directory and states that updating is 'free of charge' but eventually leads to a request for payment, once returned to the directory company," says Mark Fielding, chief executive of ISME, as cited by SiliconRepublic.

It would seem that more and more Irish businesses are targeted by people with malicious intents, whose ultimate purpose is that of making a quick buck. According to the survey, this past year, attempts of scam have been recorded in relation to about 69% of Irish businesses. Compared to the same data collected in 2007, one can notice an increase of 16%. The three top ranking topics used by scammers are in regard to offers from overseas companies, business directories, and winning the Lotto.

Mark Fielding is advising all Irish businesses to act cautious about unsolicited or suspicious looking e-mail messages. The ISME should be contacted immediately if one has any reason to doubt the authenticity of the message received.

The summer months are the most active for scammers, says the ISME. Most senior managers are on vacation during this time, so they hope that an unwary employee will fall for the scam due to the lack of experience with such matters. Junior staff is well advised by Fielding to adopt the "when in doubt don't pay out" philosophy. It is best to wait and be sure that it is not a scam attempt.

In recent news, the UK has also asked for tighter SME security.