Graphics to Help Users of AOL Identify Scams

America Online, concerned about Internet “scams,” has begun to identify genuine e-mail from the Internet service provider with added graphics or color, to help its 23 million users easily identify e-mail that is truly being sent by AOL.

The Internet services giant began the feature, designed to help its subscribers avoid “being spoofed or caught in fraudulent activity,” last week. Official AOL mail includes communications from AOL Chairman Steve Case, welcome letters and any e-mail from screen names “AOLYouveGotPics” and “AOL Official Mail.”

“The most important thing driving Official Mail is to help our members distinguish mail sent from AOL from [mail sent] by those looking to scam our members,” said Tricia Primrose, AOL spokeswoman, adding that the company has seen scams that ask users for credit card information or passwords under the guise of being AOL.

E-mails sent by AOL will be identified with a blue icon in the “New Mail” listbox, a blue border around the mail or an official AOL seal.

The feature is not in response to any recent hacker attacks, Primrose said, adding that it has been in development for a while. Last month, AOL said vandals had broken into its service and gained access to an undisclosed number of member accounts.