Phishing : advise

Emails that are better off deleted than opened

Emails, presumably from the bank, asking you for (confirmation of) your name, bank account number, credit card information, password and Personal identity number (PIN), are better off being deleted. Ignore the request and delete the email.

There has been a series of email and phone scams that our local paper ran a story in the main section warning readers "Don't be hooked by phishers"

This is because banks DO NOT send such a notification via email asking for the details. Even if the email "instructs' you to call a number, or ask you to click on a link in the email, do not be fooled. The link could trigger a spy program being installed on your computer that will activate when you next visit a banking or pay site. The spy program will record your keystrokes when you type the passwords.

If you really want to confirm the message in the email, call the number from the phone book, or the number which you normally use. Don't call the number stated in the email - because the person over the phone may be phoney!

Lodge a report if you are a target for phishing.

Prevention is better than cure. Do not reveal finacial details to anyone over the phone or email. You wouldn't want to find your money being transferred out for payment for bogus online purchases, or payment for pornographic sites.