Online bank 20twenty recently alerted its clients to a new type of internet fraud called ?phishing?. The scam is said to be widespread but easy to control if you know what to look for.

According to 20twenty, "phishing" targets online banking customers in particular. Even though it?s entirely illegal, it?s attracting many would-be fraudsters who are attempting to con customers across the world.

"Phishing" involves the customer receiving an email from the fraudulent sender, posing as a communication official who requires the user to ?verify? or ?authenticate? their private account information on a website. In most cases, logos, email addresses and website links are identical copies of those used in emails sent by the actual bank. But these emails and websites are fake ? and are used to abuse your information by accessing your account and stealing funds.

To keep your account and details safe:

  • Never respond to email requests for your security / account / personal details.
  • While most online banking emails will continue to include links to their websites, rather add their address to your Favourites and use this link whenever you log into a secure area.
  • If you ever receive an email you consider to be suspicious, rather be safe than sorry. So if you?re ever in doubt about anything, or if you?d like to confirm that an email you?ve received is from a legitimate place, contact the official call centre number (not the one given on the email!)