Security experts warned of a widespread phishing email pretending to offer a cash prize from Gmail.

The emails claim that the recipient has been selected for a $500 cash prize, and that the money will be paid automatically if they click on the weblink.

The Email looks like:

You won $500! Gmail congratulates you!
CONGRATULATIONS!
YOU WON $500!
Gmail gives members random cash prizes. Today, your account is randomly selected as the one of 12 top winners accounts who will get cash prizes from us. Please click the link below and follow instructions on our web site. Your money will be paid directly to your e-gold, PayPal, StormPay or MoneyBookers account.

When clicked on the web link it takes to a webpage where they ask to enter bank details and pay a membership fee of $8.60.

"Of course this email wasn't really sent by the folks at Gmail, and the $500 cash prize doesn't exist. Anyone tempted to try and collect it is in danger of walking straight into a trap set by these fraudsters," said Graham Cluley

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