Some emails attempt to trick you into typing in private details including your log-on by linking you to bogus websites. These emails will be successful if the receiver clicks on the link/email. If you dont click on the email/link you should be protected.

By clicking on a link in a phishing email you will be directed to what is promoted as the legitimate site. However, you will be redirected to a bogus site or, in more sinister incidents, clicking on the link/email will commence an automated Trojan/virus download. As a rule of thumb if you are ever unsure or don't have knowledge of the sender never click on an email or link.

We will NEVER ask you to disclose your security details by email.

Below is an example of a hoax email:


 

Click here to watch a video from Microsoft about Phishing 

Spyware

Spyware is programming that is put in a computer secretly to gather information about the user which is then passed onto advertisers or other interested parties.

Online employment scams

Fake job advertisements are placed via email or website for commission-based roles. Funds are paid to your account on the understanding that you transfer these funds overseas and keep a portion for yourself as commission. People who receive these types of payments are known as mules.

This money is usually the proceeds of fraud and you should contact your bank immediately if you're uncertain about money received into your account. Any customer that takes part in this activity may become involved in a Police investigation and have their accounts closed.

Trojan

A Trojan enters your computer undetected, giving whoever planted the Trojan unrestricted access to the data stored on your computer. Trojans can transmit credit card information and other confidential data even if you are not accessing that data at the time. Trojans can be sent either as an email, spam mail, an attachment, or embedded in a webpage.

Viruses

A computer virus is passed from computer to computer like a biological virus passes from person to person. Viruses are commonly transferred by email. Most computer fraud programmes are passed on by a virus.

Worms

A worm is a computer programme that has the ability to copy itself from machine to machine. Worms normally move around and infect other machines through computer networks. Using a network, a worm can expand incredibly quickly from a single copy.