Beware of Email Banking Scam says MP

Neil Gerrard, Labour MP for Walthamstow, is warning people to beware of disclosing details of their bank accounts in response to fraudulent mails.

A number of fraudulent emails are circulating encouraging bank customers to visit websites to verify banking details. The email claims that the bank requires you to reactivate your account because of new security systems which have been put in place.

“These websites can at first glance look quite convincing” says Mr Gerrard. “The bank logo and in some cases the overall appearance of the bank’s genuine website have been copied. But the details you are asked to enter include PINs and other security information relating to your account. No genuine Bank would ask for such information over the internet. If you give the details you are giving a crook open access to your online account.”

All the major banks have made it clear that they would never ask customers to provide security information like this by email.

December 2003

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