Police advise on avoiding online fraud

The National Hi-Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU) has warned the public to be on guard against the latest wave of electronic fraud attempts.

Fraudsters have targeted customers of online banking services from Barclays, Nationwide, NatWest and Halifax in recent weeks. The scam involves an email that appears to be from the bank, which usually asks recipients to click on a link to a website.

The website is designed to look more or less exactly like the bank's own but is a front for criminals, often based outside the UK.

Customers are asked to resubmit or 'confirm' details such as Pin and account numbers or passwords, which criminals can use to steal money from accounts.

Police also warned of a fresh spate of scams involving overseas businesses asking UK residents to act as 'agents' for them in a financial transaction, similar to the Nigerian email fraud.

Detective Chief Superintendent Len Hynds at the NHTCU said of the scam: "We know that many of these 'funds transfer scams' involve the proceeds of fraud and consumers who participate in these schemes are likely to become embroiled in a police investigation.

"The message is: don't allow yourself to be duped. Remember, if an unsolicited money-making offer looks too good to be true, then it probably is."

The guidance, issued in conjunction with the Association for Payment Clearing Services and the British Bankers' Association, reminds consumers to be more wary of emailed requests than they would of uninvited callers to their homes.

How to avoid online fraud:

Know who you are dealing with
Always access internet banking by typing the bank's address into your web browser. Never go to a website from a link in an email and enter personal details. If in doubt, contact the bank separately on an advertised number.

Keep passwords and Pins safe
Always be wary of unsolicited emails or calls asking you to disclose any personal details or card numbers. Keep this information secret. Be wary of disclosing any personal information to someone you don't know. Your bank and the police would never contact you to ask you to disclose Pins or all your password information.

Keep hold of your cash
Don't be conned by convincing emails offering you the chance to make some easy money. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is! Be especially wary of unsolicited emails from outside the UK - it will be much harder to prove they are who they say they are.

Keep your PC secure
Use up-to-date antivirus software and a personal firewall and, if your computer uses the Microsoft Windows operating system, keep it updated from the Microsoft website. Be extra careful if using internet cafes or any PC which is not your own and over which you have no control.

Check your bank's website
If in doubt, a good place to get help and guidance on how to stay safe online is your bank's website. Check regularly for specific information and guidance on protecting your PC and yourself online.

Check your statement
If you notice anything irregular on your account contact your bank immediately.