Some people have lost money through spam emails that contain bogus offers and fraudulent promotions. If you use email beware of messages which appear to be from genuine organisations asking you to confirm your account details.

Email scams and spoofs are sometimes featured on programmes such as BBC’s Watchdog. You can sometimes tell that these are false messages as the standard of English used in them is poor. They may also offer you a prize or ask you to donate money. Standard advice applies to all offers received by email; “If it sounds too good to be true then it’s probably a con”.

‘Phishing’ is an email or pop-up message that claims to be from a business or organisation you may deal with, for example, an internet service provider, High Street Banks or online payment service. The message may ask you to 'update', 'validate', or 'confirm' your account information. It will have the Bank’s logo and an apparently genuine web address.

Helpful Tips

• A genuine bank will NEVER ask you to confirm your details or ask for your cash machine PIN number.

• If something is offered free or unusually cheap, be sceptical – you rarely get something for nothing.

• If an email or website looks suspicious, try ringing the company first.

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