Surf with caution, that's the advice from consumer groups in the wake of the country's largest Internet phishing bust.

A ring of computer programmers in North Carolina, California and Nevada allegedly set up phony banking sites to trick customers into giving out financial information online.

The scam hooked more than $1.5 million before the Federal Bureau of Investigation cut the line Wednesday. The scariest part, the 53 U.S. citizens charged in the plot worked with 47 other programmers, all the way in Egypt.

“Technology makes it possible for people's bank accounts to be accessed and their money robbed from somebody who's across the world, so people need to be very careful to protect themselves,” said Susan Grant with the Consumer Federation of America.

Experts say any e-mails with questions about your money and finances should raise an immediate red flag. They said always check your accounts for any strange activity, and if you get suspicious e-mails from banks, retailers or even your boss, do not respond.