Identity Theft

There are numerous ways in which fraudsters may attempt to steal your personal and financial details. Being aware of the methods which fraudsters use to steal identities is the first step to help protect yourself against the threat of identity theft.

Trojans

Trojans are usually emails containing various links or attachments that will secretly download a program on to your PC. This program is designed to monitor your online activity including logging your key strokes. This means that when you enter your banking details online for shopping or banking they are recorded by the fraudster. The fraudster can then use this information to access your bank account.

If you receive an email from an unknown source DO NOT open it as it may be harmful to your computer.

Spoof Sites

Spoof Sites are set up to trick you into entering your personal or bank details. The fraudster will send you an email purporting to be from your bank which will ask you to click on a link and verify your details. The link will take you to a spoof site set up to impersonate your bank's official website and when you enter your details the fraudster will be able to use these details to access your bank account.

In order to check if a site is a genuine make sure that the web address (in the address bar) begins with https (the 's' stands for 'secure'). Also ensure that a small locked padlock icon (see right) appears in the browser window. Clicking on the padlock icon will show who the site certificate is registered to, hence verifying the authenticity.

Email scams claiming to offer you additional income

You may get emails offering commission for assistance in transferring funds into an overseas account. These funds, although claiming to be from a legitimate source, originate from illegal activities, if in fact, they actually exist. If you receive such an email DO NOT respond and delete it immediately.

Advance Fee or '419' Fraud

As well as 'additional income' scams there are advance fee or '419' fraud scams. The fraudster will email or send a letter offering you a generous amount of money in exchange for your assistance in transferring a large amount of money, usually in US dollars. They may claim the funds have originated from unspent government funds or unclaimed funds from a deceased individual’s bank account. You will be asked for your bank details to transfer the funds into, and an advance fee to complete the deal. However, you will never receive any money and will lose any money you have paid, plus the fraudster will be able to access your bank account using the details you have provided. If you receive such an email or letter DO NOT respond and delete it immediately.

Virus/Hoax Emails

Although most virus alert emails must be taken seriously and are genuine, there are a few that are hoaxes designed to cause maximum panic and disruption to a business. Always make sure a virus alert is genuine by visiting an anti-virus site before you forward the alert on to colleagues, friends and family.

Suspicious Phone Calls

If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from your bank be certain they are calling from your bank before you divulge any personal information. If they have called you they should know who you are. Fraudsters use this method to capture customer's personal and financial details. They may even advise you that there have been frauds recently and they want to double check all customers’ details to ensure they are correct, hence they may ask you to recall a lot of information. They then use this information to access your bank account or use your identity for fraudulent activities.

If you do think that a fraudster has obtained your personal details or bank account details using one of these scams, or in any other way, you should contact the bank immediately on +44 (0) 1624 639639 or email one@aib.im.