Sign up for email updates from The Crime and Investigation Network
<-%news_tpl%->
Don't Be Fooled
What is 'phishing'?
Phishing involves email or pop-up messages appear that claim to be from a business or organisation you may deal with, for example, an internet service provider, bank or online payment service.
The message may ask you to 'update', 'validate', or 'confirm' your account information.
Example
You may receive an email with a message like this:
Some phishing emails warn of consequence if you don't respond. The messages direct you to a website that looks just like a legitimate site - but it isn't. It's a bogus site whose sole purpose is to trick you into giving away your personal information so the operators can steal your identity and run up bills in your name.
How can I avoid being ‘phished’?
• Don't reply to email or pop-up messages that ask for personal or financial information, and don't click on links in the message.
• Don't cut and paste a link from the message into your web browser - phishers can make links look like they go to one place but they actually send you to a different site.
• If you are concerned about your account contact your bank by phone.
• Use anti-virus software and a firewall.
• Don't email personal or financial information – it is not secure.
• Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to check for unauthorised charges.
• Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them.
• Ask for advice - call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Phishing involves email or pop-up messages appear that claim to be from a business or organisation you may deal with, for example, an internet service provider, bank or online payment service.
The message may ask you to 'update', 'validate', or 'confirm' your account information.
Example
You may receive an email with a message like this:
'We suspect an unauthorised transaction on your account. To ensure that your account is not compromised, please click the link below and confirm your identity.'
Some phishing emails warn of consequence if you don't respond. The messages direct you to a website that looks just like a legitimate site - but it isn't. It's a bogus site whose sole purpose is to trick you into giving away your personal information so the operators can steal your identity and run up bills in your name.
How can I avoid being ‘phished’?
• Don't reply to email or pop-up messages that ask for personal or financial information, and don't click on links in the message.
• Don't cut and paste a link from the message into your web browser - phishers can make links look like they go to one place but they actually send you to a different site.
• If you are concerned about your account contact your bank by phone.
• Use anti-virus software and a firewall.
• Don't email personal or financial information – it is not secure.
• Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to check for unauthorised charges.
• Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them.
• Ask for advice - call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
