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http://internet.youk.uk.com/bm/security-online/how-to-spot-phishing-emails-and-what-to-do-if-you-.shtmlHow to spot phishing emails and what to do if you get caught
It happens to us all at some time - we get caught! Find out what to do if it happens to you and how to tell if that email you just got is a phishing email or not
How do you tell if the email you just got from your bank is a phishing email or not?
Phishing Emails
A phishing email will often warn of a catastrophe with your account and ask you to click a link to go to a website and log on. The emails are frequently designed to scare and to try to make you act without thinking. At the fake site - it looks just like your bank website - you log in and nothing seems to happen.
Behind the scenes, however, phishers note your username and password and then use this information to take money from your account. Often this can be small but regular payments that they hope you won't notice.
So, how do you spot phishing emails? First, your bank will never ask you to access your account in this way. If your bank really want to speak to you urgently they will write to you or phone. Nothing is so desperate that you have to act on an email so don't do anything with it until you have phoned your bank.
If you decide to go to your bank's website then either type the web address into the address bar or else keep a copy and paste it from a list that you hold. It takes longer but it's safer to do this.
Many banks have a set pattern when they write to you: they may address you by name and quote the last few numbers of your account. Make sure you know what they do and check each email before you do anything.
I think I've been caught
OK, it happens! Speed is vital, so the first thing to do is log onto the real site for your bank and change your password and, if you can, your username. Doing this is probably enough to stop access to your account.
Next, and equally important, most banks have a section to report phishing problems so tell them what has happened and also contact them by phone and letter so that you can prove that you told them and when you did so. Don't neglect to do this.
However, nothing beats being prepared so the next time you log on to your bank website, make a point of checking the procedure. Find out in advance what to do and know the correct web address and telephone numbers to dial in case this happens.
Awareness of phishing in the UK is growing but phishers are becoming ever smarter so the best advice is to always think before you click that link!