Residents of Northumberland Warned Against E-mail Scams

A warning has been issued by the Consumer Watchdogs regarding scam emails trying to trick consumers in Northumberland, UK, to reveal their personal details, according to the report published by Journal Live on July 16, 2010. The main purpose of such scam emails is to gather information, which results in identity treachery or getting sufficient information to withdraw money from consumers' accounts.

As per the security experts, such scams are called phishing wherein the recipient is asked to update personal information like passwords, national insurance numbers and bank accounting details by visiting a website.

For making the consumers a victim of such scams, the fraud emails give a warning that if the asked information is not provided, then their bank account could be suspended. Sometimes the consumers are told about an illegal access to their accounts.

As per the Northumberland Trading standards officers from the UK, few emails convince by using the Bank and creating symbols and logos to make them look genuine, as reported by the Journal Live on July 16, 2010.

Allen Kirsop, Head of Trading Standards for Northumberland County Council, states that many complaints have been received by them regarding such scams, which are alleging to be sent from three particular companies and are requesting consumers to be doubtful if they get any email alleging to be sent from a bank or building society, demanding more personal information, as reported by Norhthumberland on July 14, 2010.

He also added that such requests should be immediately reported to the particular bank. With the help of partners like Trading Standards, the Banking Industry is trying to closedown such fraud sites as soon as they get to know about them.

Executive Member for Public Protection, Councilor Alan Thompson, states that it is possible that someone who replies to such scam emails will be flooded with more identical scams. So, it is necessary to think carefully before answering to emails, demanding personal information, as reported by Northumberland on July 14, 2010.

The officers are requesting consumers to report on the www.banksafeonline.org.uk if they doubt any email scams, and if not sure, they should get in touch with their bank or building society.

Related article: Residents of Floyd County Receives Dubious IRS Tax Refund E-mails

» SPAMfighter News - 8/4/2010