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Security: What is Phishing?
Phishing is the name given to scams where fraudsters attempt to trick a user into disclosing private information, such as credit card details, account names and passwords, over the Internet. This information can then be used for illegal purposes such as unauthorised money transfers.
By falsely claiming to be an established or trusted brand - such as a bank or an online auction house - often using a tempting message as bait in an email or pop-up box, users are convinced that the request for their personal details is genuine.
In recent months Phishing scams, so-called because they cast a wide net and wait to see how much cash they can reel in, have spoofed a number of high street banks, insurance companies and online auctions sites.
How to avoid being scammed?
You can simply avoid being scammed by a phishing email, or website - just by simply ignoring any requests for your personal details, such as your address, or more importantly, you credit/debit card numbers.
Banks, and other companies will never send you an email requesting you to confirm your bank details, security ID, or password via email or on the internet. If in doubt - contact the bank or company directly, by using a phone number or email address on their website - do not click on any links within a phishing email, or phishing website- as they may deceive you. What you should do is go directly to the website yourself.
What if I have already given out information requested by a phishing email?
If you have been sent an email, which looked like it was from a bank or another online company, and you entered in your details as the email requested - you should immediately contact that company, especially if it is a bank - as they will be able to provide full assistant with any measures that need to be taken.
You should also make sure you change any passwords that you disclosed as soon as possible, as it would give the scammer full access to your account for that particular company that the scammer was phishing for. If you also check your bank statements carefully each month - you may spot fraud happening to your bank account. Any amount that has been taken out - even just a couple of pence - that you do not know of, can be a sign that the fraudster has accessed your account, and is planning a shopping spree with your account.
The Home Office website has lots of helpful information on Identity Theft, and how to avoid it
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