HIGH-tech fraudsters are fooling computer users into inadvertently loading software that allows their every keystroke to be tracked, a local information technology professional has warned.

The spies can then gather information from a computer without the user's knowledge, including credit card numbers, passwords and other sensitive information.

Robert Berry, whose company Digimedia specialises in servicing computers, said spyware was an increasing problem.

"Spyware is often a problem when you have a computer that is being used by teenage children," Mr. Berry said. "Young people will often download free music, free games or free software.

"When you're downloading something, you should be aware of exactly what you're downloading, particularly if it's a remote online installation.

"That is how people can end up downloading spyware onto their computers that can allow someone, somewhere, to track all your movements."

Spyware can hitch a ride onto a computer without the user's knowledge during visits to porn or gambling sites, or in downloads of free games, music or even screensavers. It can also arrive with downloads of cartoons aimed at children.

Adware is a spin-off of spyware technology and it is capable of unleashing a barrage of pop-up advertisements, often unwanted, onto a PC screen.

It used to be that viruses or "worms" were the biggest threat to computer networks, but spyware, which cannot be stopped by anti-virus shields, is now taking over as the chief irritant.

"Because spyware is something that you unwittingly download yourself, anti-virus software is no protection against it," Mr. Berry said.

"Sites where people swap music and other downloads are particularly dangerous, as people can download anything remotely.

"A lot of the attackers are based in eastern Europe or anywhere where there are no regulations. That means that even if the culprits are caught, little can be done about it."

While private computer users are at risk, entire company networks can also fall prey to spyware attackers, if staff browsing the web at work inadvertently introduce it onto the system.

Mr. Berry said it was important that companies made themselves aware of the threat and how they could protect themselves.

There are anti-spyware programmes that can detect when information is being sent out from the computer and which can inform the user by means of a pop-up window.

"Most of the service calls I get now relate to spyware problems," Mr. Berry said. "One symptom of it is that your computer becomes very slow.

"In most cases, I find that the most effective way to repair an effected computer is to clear the machine and then re-install everything."

Identity theft is a common result of the accidental downloading of spyware and Mr. Berry's work has allowed him to see other devious methods used by cyber thieves.

"They send out thousands of e-mails at random, trying to get people to divulge personal information," he said. "They call it 'phishing'.

"For example, they might send an e-mail masquerading as being something from Citibank. You can open it up and it will look very like the Citibank site. Some people who receive it may have a Citibank account and may take it seriously and enter their bank account details and pin number.

"An e-mail I saw on a client's computer only this week purported to come from IBM. They sent about 20 e-mails from addresses like serviceibm and mailibm. They would say your password has expired or your service is overdue, things that would probably make you feel the need to take action.

"The e-mail may come with an attachment and anything could be in there, such as a spyware programme.

"You have to watch out for con men on message boards as well, trying to get hold of information they should have no need of, like birth dates and addresses, for example. You have to be careful."

l The Bermuda Police Service this week warned of an e-mail scam that several island residents may already have fallen victim to.

People are informed that they have won the "Belgian Euro Millions Lottery", but in order to claim their prize they must first forward 1,000 euros and then fly overseas, where they will then be encouraged to part with more money.

A police statement this week said: "It appears that many victims do not seem overly surprised that they have won the lottery despite having not entered it in the first place.

"We are advising members of the public not to send money if they receive a letter or e-mail claiming to be from the 'Belgian Euro Millions Lottery' or any other lottery that has not been entered by the recipient. If it sounds too good to be true, then it is!"