Lloyds Banking Group Cautions Customers Against Phishing Attacks

Lloyds Banking Group (LBG), which came into existence in January 2009 with Lloyds TSB (Trustee Savings Bank) taking over HBOS (Halifax Bank of Scotland), apprehends that there could be a wave of phishing attacks aimed at its customers due to the acquisition.

Consequently, the Bank is alerting its customers as well as asking them to remain vigilant of scammers attempting to trick them into giving away their password and account information through phishing e-mails.

Moreover, describing the act of phishing, the Bank stated it involves online fraudsters who send e-mails to the common people, or more specifically, to the bank's customers, posing as communications from the bank. The e-mails typically ask the recipient to click on a link that actually connects to a phishing site designed to appear like the actual banking site, where the user is prompted to enter his security credentials and account number, eventually leading to a phishing fraud.

Besides, phishing scams are becoming increasingly common, with over 20,000 phishing sites created during January-June 2008, accounting for a 180% hike over the same period in 2007, said security experts.

Rob Devey, Managing Director of Direct Channels at LBG, said that fraudsters were opportunists who constantly search for new methods to trick consumers; thus, it wouldn't be surprising if the establishment of LBG triggers a new wave of phishing assaults, as reported by ASSOCIATION on February 6, 2009.

In addition, the Bank provided consumers a clue that could help them identify phishing messages. It said, since LBG wouldn't ever represent a consumer trademark; therefore, any e-mail coming under Lloyds' name would certainly be fake.

Furthermore, the Bank writes on its Website that it wouldn't send e-mail to its customers asking them to visit the website for providing their online banking particulars. Hence, if any customer gets an e-mail of this kind, he/she should avoid it. Customer can immediately send the e-mail to the investigation team of the Bank at emailscams@lloydstsb.co.uk. Also, in case a customer feels his account has been accessed, he should contact the Bank at 0845-3000-116, the Bank suggested.

Related article: Lloyds TSB Bank Alerts its Customers about Phishing E-mail

» SPAMfighter News - 2/23/2009