What is Phishing?

Phishing is the attempt to obtain sensitive personal information such as usernames, passwords, bank or credit card details by masquerading as a reputable organisation through electronic communication.

Definition based on Wikipedia

What types of phishing scams are currently in circulation?

There are loads of different scams in circulation in any one time.  Whether these are purporting to be from “your” bank or more worryingly, there is an increase in deceivingly well presented email scams which purport to be from the HMRC.

HMRC scams have been around for a while, but new versions of scams are frequently being refreshed and re-circulated.  It is becoming increasingly hard for business owners to identify whether an email communication is genuine or not.

Thankfully, help in verifying genuine communication is out there, as is good advice to prevent you from becoming a victim of a scam.

The HMRC have a good online resource to show you current and previous versions of scams as well as advice on the type of unofficial communication you will never receive from them.  Click here for their advice page on scams.

Another good resource for advice against phishing scams and other forms of cyber crime is GetSafeOnline .  GetSafeOnline also provide advice on protecting your computer and data whilst working outside of the office, and compliance with Data Protection.

To report any fraudulent e-communication, contact Action Fraud