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Email Scams
You may be aware of fraudulent emails that have been circulating recently claiming to be from a variety of financial institutions. These emails request that customers verify or re-activate their account by clicking on a link and entering their login details.
Although this may link to a page that appears to be a genuine Bank of Scotland site, we can assure you that we would never request personal information via this method. This is commonly known as website spoofing or phishing.
Dealing with a fraudulent email
If you receive one of these emails you should forward it to $onlineinvestigations@bankofscotland.co.uk and then delete it immediately without responding or visiting any site it details. Please be aware that these emails may also contain viruses and we recommend that you ensure that your anti virus software is up to date and also scan your PC for viruses.
You should only ever enter your security details when you have typed the appropriate URL into your browser address bar, for example, www.bankofscotland.co.uk/corporate and then clicking on the login button.
If you are concerned that you may have disclosed any personal or security information, please contact the Internet Banking Helpdesk immediately on 0845 300 2924† or the Corporate Online Helpdesk on 0845 300 6444†.
Examples of email scams
Here are some examples of recent email scams:
Confirmation of data scam
Dear client of the Halifax Internet Banking,
The recent cases of fraudulent use of clients accounts forced the Technical Services of the bank to update the software. We regret to acknowledge, that some data on users accounts could be lost. The administration kindly asks you to follow the reference given below and to confirm your data.
The administration asks you to accept our apologies for the caused inconvenience and expresses gratitude for cooperation.
Please do not reply to this e-mail.
Thank You.
Security alert scam
SECURITY ALERT: Please read this important message
Our new security system will help you to avoid frequently fraudulent transactions and to keep your investments in safety.
Due to technical update we ask you to confirm your online banking membership details. Please fill in the form below. Please follow the link below to fill the form "Lloyds TSB – confirmation".
Frequently asked questions
I have received an email from Bank of Scotland requesting my online security details. Should I reply?
No. Bank of Scotland would never send emails that ask for confidential or personal security information and it is very important that you do not reply to the email. We are aware of a number of fraudulent emails that are currently circulating in the UK encouraging customers to visit a website where personal card or Internet security details are requested.
To assist in our enquiries, please forward the email to $onlineinvestigations@bankofscotland.co.uk and then delete it immediately without responding or visiting any site it details. If you are concerned that you may have divulged any personal or security details, please call our Internet Banking Helpdesk on 0845 300 2924† or our Corporate Online Helpdesk on 0845 300 6444†.
How has the originator of the fraudulent email obtained my email address?
Please be assured that Bank of Scotland has not passed your email address onto any other company or individual. It is possible that your email address has been obtained from another website which has collected these details from you and subsequently passed them on to another person or organisation. Most reputable websites will inform you if they do this and will allow you to refuse permission.
How did the originator of the fraudulent email know that I was a Bank of Scotland customer?
They didn't. The fraudulent email that you received was part of an indiscriminate mailing to a significant number of individuals. A percentage of these individuals were coincidentally also users of our Internet Banking service.
Please be assured that Bank of Scotland will never pass on information about you to any other company or individual.