MANILA, Philippines -- Symantec is warning users about a new type of spam that targets users of instant messaging (IM) tools like Yahoo Messenger and Microsoft's MSN Messenger.

In a report, Symantec said it has detected a type of IM spam, which purportedly “gifts” the recipient with the opportunity to scan through their messenger buddy list and highlight who they would like to be removed from it.

The recipient is also invited to click on a URL, which notifies them who has blocked their name on instant messenger, which then asks the recipient to provide their username and password.

As IM becomes a more common communication tool for business users and consumers alike, Symantec warns about the theft of usernames and passwords, noting that many people use the same username and password across the Internet.

Symantec also noted that spammers are also targeting websites such as Google that are likely to be trusted by end-users.

In April, Symantec detected "phishing" email purporting to come from the Google AdWords service, which allows advertisers to connect with individuals who search using Google.

In these bogus email, the user is encouraged to click on a link to update their billing information and/or renew their account. The link in these phishing emails leads to a fraudulent website where personal information is requested.

Symantec estimates at least 80 percent of total email circulated around the world is spam.