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New email banking scam
Posted on 01/07/2008
P. Klein
Don’t be conned into giving away your bank details to criminals. Leicestershire Trading Standards Service is issuing a new warning about fake official notices being sent by e-mail claiming to be from one of the major banks.
The new version of the so-called ‘phishing’ scams says that someone has deposited a sum of money in your account – up to several thousand pounds - and provides a link to what looks like the bank’s website that asks for details of your account, so that you can check your balance. The information asked for could then be used by someone else to gain access to your account.
If anyone has replied to a request for account information they must contact their bank immediately for advice. These e-mails, of which this is just one type, are sent out randomly with the intention of fooling recipients into giving their details.
Whilst online banking and e-commerce is very safe, as a general rule you should always be careful about giving out personal financial information over the Internet. You should be suspicious of any e-mail which urgently requests personal information. If you suspect that the message is not genuine, do not use the links in the e-mail to get to any web page; instead contact your bank by telephone or by typing their web address directly into your browser address bar.
You should only give personal financial information such as credit card details or account information via a secure website or the telephone. To make sure that youre on a secure web server check that the web address in your browser address bar begins "https://" instead of the usual "http://" - the s shows that the site is secure. You may also see a closed padlock in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. If you notice anything suspicious, contact your bank immediately.
David Bull, Head of Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards, said: "Phishing scams are increasing in both number and sophistication, and all banks have been targeted. The scam notices contain the banks logo, so it may mislead people into believing that they are genuine, they may look like they are from the bank and even carry warnings about fraud. However, you would not be asked by a bank to give information in this way. Do not respond by any link in the scam email’
If you are suspicious about an email or need advice contact Consumer Direct on
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