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Phishing
What is Phishing?
Phishing (pronounced fishing) is an email message that may be sent out to as many internet email addresses that the fraudster can obtain and claims to have come from a legitimate source (a bank, online payment service, online retailer etc). The email requests the recipient to update or to verify their personal and financial information, including date of birth, login information, account details, credit card numbers, PIN numbers etc. Some phishing messages will contain a warning that failure to comply will result in the individual's account being frozen. The objective is to get the unsuspecting individual to respond to the email and to provide the information being requested. Once the fraudsters have collected financial information from the individual via phishing, they are in a position to abuse this information and steal money out of the compromised accounts.
How do I recognise a phishing email?
The email will contain a link that, when clicked on, takes you to a spoof website which looks identical to the legitimate organisation's website. In some cases the link will take you to the genuine site, but is overlaid with a smaller window which asks you to verify your details. Reputable organisations do not send unsolicited emails to their clients requesting verification of personal and security information.
What is Spyware?
Clicking on a link within the email may also download malicious software, known as spyware. When spyware is downloaded on to your PC it can record your use of the internet and forward this information, and possibly a log of your keystrokes, to the fraudster. The fraudster can then use this financial information to compromise your bank accounts, credit cards etc.
How do I avoid getting phished?
You should never respond to email messages that request personal or financial information and never click on links provided within the email. If you are in doubt about the legitimacy of the email, or if you think you have been the victim of a phishing scam contact AIB Jersey & Isle of Man immediately. Please use the contact details on the link below. Do not use any contact suggestions that may be contained in the email.