MetroNet Customers Warned Against Phishing E-mails

Customers of the broadband Internet Service Provider MetroNet, which PlusNet UK owns, have been warned to remain vigilant against a fraudulent e-mail supposedly arriving from the customer service of the ISP.

The e-mail states the helpdesk of metronet.co.uk is distributing the message among all the users of metronet.co.uk with the purpose to maintain their safety from junk e-mails. It (the e-mail) continues that Metronet.co.uk is experiencing congestions because of anonymous account registrations. Therefore, it is closing a few accounts. It further tells the recipient that he is one among those customers whose account needs to be updated once again because of this problem.

Moreover, Metronet.co.uk is sending the customer (the recipient of the e-mail) this message so that he can confirm his account details and continue to use his account.

The service provider highlights that the e-mail tells customers that they should submit their account details, including username and password; birth date; and information regarding the country.

Notably, security researchers state that phishing e-mails purporting to be from genuine sources such as MetroNet in the current instance, are escalating.

According to them, users are suggested to remain watchful while on the Net so that they do not get victimized by the phishing e-mails. Some tips they can follow are not to submit any information solicited by the e-mail.

When in doubt, users should call and check. For instance, to reach MetroNet, the ISP's helpdesk number can be dialed. This method will enable the account owner to cross-check whether the organization actually requires any details or whether a hoax is on play. Similarly, it is recommended that users should visit the website to find out the e-mail's genuineness since authentic websites normally flag phishing e-mails that abuse their names, on their pages.

Moreover, MetroNet strongly recommends that users who may receive this e-mail to simply ignore it or delete it right away. Overall, it advises consumers not to click on web-links inside unexpected e-mails and to ensure that the AV applications on their PCs are running the latest editions.

Related article: Modern Attacks Beating Browsers & antivirus Solutions

» SPAMfighter News - 6/5/2010