IM attacks up almost 80% over last year

[patio]

Attacks through Instant Message services have grown dramatically recently...

Article Here

[Calum]

I used to be attacked all the time by this sort of thing, but since switching to Gaim/Pidgin, I've not noticed it.
It is a very real and possible way to be infected, and one of the easiest ways as many people do not realise it is possible.
The prevalence and increase in this type of threat just shows how successful it can be.