Almost half of British internet users have been targeted with some form of online scam, according to research by been targeted with some form of online scam, according to research by been targeted with some form of online scam, according to research commissioned by AOL.
These people received emails that tried to trick them into revealing financial details like account numbers and passwords. This practice, known as phishing (internet slang for fishing for information), has caused five per cent of internet users to lose money.
More than half of these people were not compensated by their bank or credit card provider. Forty per cent of respondents said they never read the terms and conditions of their bank account.
Phishers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, said Will Smith, AOL security expert. "It is crucial that people protect themselves - as well as using spam filters and being wary of unsolicited emails, we would advise Internet users to check their bank balance," he said.
The Association of Payments and Clearing Schemes said that online fraud cost banks £12 million last year.
Criminals phishing in your inbox
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