WCYT

Moneywise magazine claims it is always bombarded with emails from anxious readers notifying them of different scams that seem to target the elderly.

The latest is the Northern Rock scam and although fraudsters are using the name of this particular bank, this is one fraud that is being carried out using the name of virtually every bank of building society from Halifax to Barclays, from Alliance & Leicester to Lloyds. I know because I am sent an email every week.

Banking scams target millions of vulnerable every year and in this practice, known as 'phishing'. The email will usually ask you to log on and confirm account details and passwords. By doing so, you give the fraudster full access to your bank accounts.

Moneywise has received more communications from concerned readers about fake Northern Rock emails than any other high-street bank rdcently and a Northern Rock spokesperson also confirmed that a 'surge' of these emails has been reported recently.

How phishing scams it work...
The Northern Rock emails look genuine and can include the bank's logo and details of the website and postal addresses. They are usually addressed to a "Northern Rock customer" and say something like: "There is a scheduled update on your mortgage and savings accounts which is due now."

They work by using threatening or alarmist language to scare customers into giving over their bank details, usually in the shape of a warning message such as: "Ignoring this schedule may increase your internet banking risk."

How to spot a scam email
But no bank will ever contact customers via email to confirm confidential information. In addition there are usually signs within the email, such as spelling and grammar mistakes, which should send alarm bells ringing.

If you receive an email like this you should not open any of the links included or reply. Instead contact your own bank to report the scam. Use the phone number or website address you usually use or which is printed on your ordinary bank statements.

Any Northern Rock scam emails can be forwarded to: report.phishing@northernrock.co.uk to be investigated by the bank.

WCYT

A community interest company keeping vulnerable residents in Essex safe from rogue tradesmen and doorstep conmen

www.whocanyoutrust.org.uk

Phishing scam is after big catches

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