Guide to avoid phishing scams
Phishing is the attempt to fraudulently acquire sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card details, by masquerading as a trustworthy person or business. Most attempts are typically carried out through e-mails or instant messaging.
Banks and other online financial organisations will never send you an e-mail asking for your security information or logon details, or direct you to a web page that asks for this information. The standard advice for all suspected phishing e-mails is as follows:
- Do not click on any links within the message.
- Do not follow any of the instructions, even if it it suggests you need to take immediate action.
- Forward the mail on to the security department of your bank (details below).
- Delete the message.
More information can be found on Bank Safe Online.
You can also report the suspicious URL here.
The following are extracts from the main UK bank websites on how to deal with phishing emails:
Lloyds TSB
- Guidelines on LloydsTSB website
- Forward the e-mail to emailscams@lloydstsb.co.uk
Barclays
- Guidelines on Barclays website
- Forward the e-mail to internetsecurity@barclays.co.uk
HSBC
- Guidelines on HSBC website
- Forward the e-mail to phishing@hsbc.com
NatWest
- Guidelines on NatWest website
- Forward the e-mail to nwolb@natwest.com or call 0845 685 0789
Halifax – Bank Of Scotland
- Guidelines on HBOS website
- Forward the email to onlineemailinvestigations@hbosplc.com replacing the subject line with ‘Report’.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:14
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