Offers for cheap "Rolex" watches are beginning to eclipse Viagra pills in spam emails. Over the last month, UK-based security software firm Sophos reports a threefold increase in the number of junk emails referencing Rolex. Junk mail referencing Rolex detected by the firm increased from two to six per cent this month.

"Spammers hawking cheap watches are the internet equivalent of Del Boy and Rodney, but few computer users who have to wade through a barrage of unsolicited emails every day will find their antics amusing," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos. "Spam continues to be a nice little earner for the spammers, because people continue to purchase goods sold via junk email. However good the offer may seem, the message is simple - never buy from a spam email."

Rolex has reportedly sent a 'cease and desist' notice to a website offering bogus Rolex watches, alleging trademark infringement. Earlier this year, Pfizer (which makes Viagra) launched a series of lawsuits against dozens of illegitimate online pharmacies to block sales of counterfeit drugs and help reduce spam. ®

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