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'Phishing'
Beware of emails purporting to be from banks asking
you to click on a link to the bank's website and verify
your customer details.
Bank customers are again being warned after a recent
increase in those falling victim to the internet menace.
Phishing is the term for this kind of scam practice
used by fraudsters and organised crime to attempt to
gain a persons bank details. The fraudsters behind the
scam copy the genuine websites of well-known banks and
building societies and create false or replica sites.
Emails are then sent out, often as part of a bogus
'security check', asking those who receive them to visit
the replica site and 'register' their bank account details,
including confidential pin numbers and passwords.
They hope that the recipient of the email will think
they have received a genuine request from their bank
and will unwittingly provide the fraudsters with access
to their accounts.
If the customer falls for the e-mail scam and enters
his or her details, the scamsters can empty that account
or use it to launder money.
Banks and the National High-Tech Crime Unit (NCTHU)
are working around the clock to close the phishing sites.
Banks and building societies that have been 'used'
by the fraudsters include Barclays, Natwest, Nationwide,
the Halifax, and Lloyds TSB.
Our advice:
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Genuine banks would
never request information in this way. |
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Never give out sensitive information in response
to unsolicited approaches. |
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Always check with your bank directly before
responding to such requests. |
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