Online fraud

   
What is phishing?

Phishing emails are fraudulent emails that look as if they're from your bank, and ask you to provide your online login details by clicking on a link to a website. The website you enter may be run by fraudsters, who may use your login details to access your account.

We would never ask for your confidential login details in this way. If you receive an email like this, do not click on any links in it, disclose your login details or reply to it.

Please forward any suspicious emails to [email protected].

Keep an eye out for

• Informal wording thats not in the normal style of an email from a legitimate company.
• Poor grammar and spelling.
• A request to confirm or verify your account. We will never ask you to enter full account details, passwords or PINs onto a website.
• "There is an important message for you" - click here. Will inevitably take you to a site that will ask for your personal details.
• Phishing e mails may even claim your account has been compromised or if you do not respond within a certain timescale your account will be closed. These are all ways fraudsters try to make you respond immediately.
• Dear customer or valued customer. Phishing e mails are often sent out in bulk and do not often contain your first name or surname.
• Click the link below to gain access to your account. This link could take you to a phishing site where you will be asked for all your personal details.

   
Spyware

Spyware refers to a broad category of malicious software that may be installed on your computer without you knowing. This software can be designed to collect personal information about you, track the websites you visit or change the configuration of your computer.

Some versions simply display advertising in the form of pop-ups, while more malicious versions can try to record what you key in, to try to intercept your passwords or credit card numbers.

Downloading games, pictures, screensavers etc. from dubious sites can cause spyware to be installed onto your computer. Certain pop-ups that appear when visiting websites can also install spyware.

The following tips can help prevent spyware from infecting your computer:

• Download and install anti-spyware software such as Microsoft's free anti-spyware program, Windows Defender  (for Windows users).
• Keep the software on your computer up to date.
• Only download and install programs from websites you trust.
• Read security information, privacy statements and licence agreements when installing downloaded software.
• Do not click 'OK' or 'I Agree' on online pop-ups unless you know what you are agreeing to.

Spam and how to avoid it

Sun Trust Group would never pass your email address onto another company or individual. To minimise the amount of spam you receive, avoid:

• putting your email address on a newsgroup, message board or personal webpage
• signing up for a email newsletter or web service that does not let you opt out of sharing your email address with others; these sites may sell your email address onto others.

  
What are Trojans?

Trojans give fraudsters unauthorised access to your PC so that they can record your activities online. They may record your personal login details (to access your online accounts) in the following ways:

• by recording the keys you press on your keyboard
• by copying images displayed on your screen, including online application forms.

What to look out for

If you're asked to login via a format that looks different to our standard login page (e.g. a pop-up window or a dialogue box).

    
What is a computer virus?

A virus is a computer program that can replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. A virus can infect and damage your computer.

What to look out for

Email is a common way for viruses to spread, so you should be careful when opening emails from unfamiliar senders.

If you use social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook, make sure you're careful about the information that you post on there (for example, you shouldn't give your full address or date of birth). Be wary of accepting friend requests or joining groups when you're not certain you know who has invited you. This can be a way of a fraudster infecting your PC with a virus or Trojan.

The best way to protect your computer from viruses is to keep your anti-virus software up to date.  

    
What is Boiler room fraud?

You may receive a phone call from someone you're unfamiliar with, trying to sell you shares with incredibly high returns. This is called 'boiler room fraud' and the shares are invariably worthless or non-existent.

Be extremely wary of these kinds of phone calls: do not send money if you are unsure.

You can find more information via the Financial Services Authority  and the City of London Police .

Be wary of any email or website claiming to be recruiting for ‘financial agents' to transfer money overseas via online bank accounts. Funds used in these scams are usually the proceeds of fraud, and your involvement could lead to a police investigation and your account being closed.

What to look out for

Look out for suspicious emails or ads from unknown parties, particularly if they contain spelling and grammatical mistakes.

Be aware when approached by timeshare companies abroad specifically in Spain or the Canary Islands. Some of these companies use strong sell / social engineering techniques to talk customers into applying for loans. When the funds are received and sent on to the timeshare company nothing else happens and the money is lost. The victim still needs to repay the loan in full. Sun Trust Group will not provide loans to finance timeshare. So if someone suggests you take out a loan to finance a timeshare purchase then please say no.

Holidaymakers have also been offered access to software to provide discounted holidays for a one-off fee. Again these people are being encouraged to apply for a loan to finance a service that does not exist. So if someone suggests you take out loan to pay for software that gives you access to discounted holidays please say no.

Companies have been approaching people advising they can get them a loan and charging a fee. Sun Trust Group does not charge a fee for applying for a loan. If someone offers you a Sun Trust Group loan and asks for a fee upfront please say no.

Personal Data should never be given to third parties as they can use this to apply for loans in your name and this could have an adverse effect on your credit rating.