Phishing ("fishing") for information

Once of the simplest methods of finding out personal details, e.g., banking details, is to ask for them.A problem with the Internet is that it is very easy to pretend to be someone you are not.

There are people on the Internet who send out emails pretending to be from a bank, or organisation, asking you to confirm your credit card or Internet banking details. These requests can be very plausible in that the web address given may even look as if it is your banking address, and the web page may have the banking logo. The link you click on may even look like an authentic address. Requests like this are often described as "URGENT" or may even threaten the closure of an account if you do not respond quickly.

Once your details are confirmed you will normally be forwarded on to the official banking website, but the phisher now has your personal banking details.

Banks strongly advise that they never ask for details to be confirmed in this way, and that you should delete any email without supplying the information required. Don't even bother to read the email, and report it as spam.

If you are unsure, you should contact your bank/organisation directly by telephone or open up a new browser window and type the web address manually. Never click on the links in these email messages, as they will not take you to where you expect them to.

Never supply personal details unless you are absolutely sure about the source of the request. Check with your bank if necessary.

Further details about "phishing" and safe online banking can be found on the WWW at http://www.banksafeonline.org.uk/