Britannia

Common Frauds

'Phishing'

'Phishing' is where online fraudsters masquerade as a certain company and target unsuspecting customers by email, requesting logon information such as your User ID and Password - often citing 'system problems' as the reason for the contact.

Typically, a link in the email takes users to a mock version of the Bank or Building Society's website. Users are then required to enter their log on information in full. This enables the fraudster to collect and record the information.

Some 'phishing' emails are extremely well put together, using the company logo to enhance their credibility. Many people have been taken in by these scams, so it is important that we make the following point very clear:

If you do receive an email stating that it is from Britannia Online Servicing which contains links and doesn't address you personally, don't click on the links as this could be an attempt to access your account fraudulently.

'Pharming'

'Pharming' is another relatively new type of online fraud. This involves fooling the user into thinking they are on the correct website by hijacking the domain name (britannia.co.uk for example). These are often accessed by users clicking links in 'phishing' emails as described above.

When accessing our site, make sure you always enter the address in the address bar yourself rather than following links.

'Shoulder Surfing' and 'Social Engineering'

While some people will employ sophisticated software to hack into your computer, or use well constructed emails to fool you into giving away your personal details, some fraudsters will use simpler techniques, such as shoulder surfing - watching over your shoulder as you enter log on information.

The easiest way to combat this type of fraud is to be vigilant. While the risk of being 'shoulder surfed' in your own home is low, public places such as offices, internet cafes and internet booths all present opportunistic fraudsters with a chance to capture your details.

Many people choose passwords relating to family members, pets or interests. So called 'Social Engineers' exploit this trend, using subtle questioning techniques or listening out for particular pointers in conversation. Although a password should be easy enough for you to remember, it's a good idea to make it something not too obvious from an outsider's point of view.