In the first six months of 2009, phishing totaled just 0.1 percent of all spam e-mail; in 2008, the number ranged from 0.2 percent to 0.8 percent.  Unlike previous years, overall spam volume hasn't increased, IBM said, noting they believe their collected data is statistically correct.

"That is a huge, precipitous decline in the amount of phishing," said Kris Lamb, IBM Internet Security Systems X-Force research team director.  "I wouldn't tell anybody that phishing has died as a threat."

Scammers who use phishing attacks are likely adapting to changing times, understanding more Internet users are being cautious when using the Web.  Casual internet users are becoming better educated in identifying fake Web sites aimed at stealing account information and passwords, credit card information, and other personal information.

Most criminals choose to mimic the home pages of financial institutions and PayPal, which allow them to collect bank account numbers and PayPal access information.

Instead of phishing, some criminals are likely relying on trojans and malware to infect computers, according to IBM, who noted an increase in the use of trojan horse programs.  Symantec security experts warn internet users that as the holidays roll around, the number of attacks are expected to increase -- a common occurrence around Thanksgiving and Christmas each year.