As if filling up at nearly $4 per gallon isn't bad enough…

"The high gasoline prices are luring even the most savvy Internet users to click on spam," a publicist in the computer security field writes. "With the Memorial Day weekend ahead… and gas prices at an all-time high, spammers have found yet another way to target unknowing victims for identity theft. MX Logic, an email security software company, has recorded an increase of fake email campaigns that promise discounted or free gasoline. Sam Masiello, director of threat management at MX Logic, said, 'These emails are phishing attacks and they should not be clicked on or opened. This is yet another way spammers are taking advantage of the economy.'"

Strictly speaking, I don't know if the alleged spammers are "taking advantage of the economy" or of people's natural concerns about high gas prices. As always, caution is advised on too-good-to-be-true e-mail offers.

At the same time, check out GasBuddy.com for a more reliable way to find lower gas prices in your area.

— Mark Kellner, The Washington Times