It Could Be You…

What is phishing?

Phishing is the term that is used to describe an email scam that identity thieves use to trick people into giving out their personal information such as credit card details, Social Security numbers and/or passwords. These emails appear to be from Camelot, the National Lottery company. The emails tell recipients that they need to “respond immediately” regarding an issue with their account or that they have won a prize. The emails often contain a link which redirects you to completely phoney site which looks legitimate, complete with the company logo, that asks you to enter or update your personal information. The information isn’t updated but rather sent to an identity thief who will then use the information to use your account to spam or steal money.

What are signs that an email may be a phishing scam?

While the emails may look genuine with sophisticated graphics and logos, legitimate emails from national-lottery will never ask you to enter or reply with personal information such as login username and password. Be wary of emails that:

• Ask you to enter any personal information such as your bank account number, an account password, credit card number, PIN, mother’s maiden name, or Social Security number.
• Fail to confirm the company does business with you, such as referencing a partial account number.
• Warn that your account will be shut down unless you reconfirm your financial information – scare tactics are often used to get the recipient to act on the request.
• Warn that you have been the victim of fraud.
• Ask you to send payment information via email.

What should I do if I think I have received a bogus phishing email?

If you suspect the email is bogus, go directly to our website (not by clicking on a link in the email; go directory to the correct URL – Address) and visit the support centre to report the event.

As with any phishing email never send any account information on request and never disclose your login or password.

Top tip:
Use different passwords for different online accounts to limit your exposure in case someone does get hold of your password.

Ensure you PC security is up to date and windows updates are carried out regularly. If you are unsure on what to do we provide this as part of our service when we do a PC Health Check.