Cash-strapped consumers should think twice before accepting spam messages promising bargains and savings, according to a recent blog post from online security expert McAfee.

According to Micha Pekrul, posting on the company's Avert Labs Blog, new malware that uses the global economic downturn as an excuse to fool consumers is currently on the prowl. The text of one of a typical 'bargain spam' email is said to resemble the following: "Exclusive sale coupons and deals at over 100 000 stores in , . You can find these amazing sale offers and coupons ONLY HERE!" What's more, the coupon lists are titled with seemingly harmless filenames, like "couponslist.exe", "sale.exe" or "print.exe".

However, Pekrul stated that these files are in fact malware. Pekrul advises consumers not to click on URLs sent by these spam emails, but urges those who have done so not to be fooled by the fake website's apparent ability to target a user's location using Geo-Location services. He finally warns, "...we can only stress again that consumers should always take care with offers that look too good to be true - even more in the hard times of a global economic crisis."

The warning follows recent advice from online security firms over Valentine's Day spam. In another post on the Avert Labs Blog, David Scharoun warned against emails containing phrases like "Deeply in love with you" and "Only you in my heart", citing that they were spam attacks.

The advice is a timely reminder for internet users to invest in comprehensive online security software as spam attacks increase in frequency and sophistication.