Scam ?

sav4it

What would happen if we had have clicked on the link, out of interest?

Crabman

sav4it wrote: »

What would happen if we had have clicked on the link, out of interest?

You'd have been presented with a website looking very similar to the Nationwide Internet Banking sign-in screen - there, you'd be asked to enter your security details - after that, the conmen have got what they want, as they can then sign into your account and transfer money etc.

sav4it

I see, so as long as no details are input, no real harm would have been done just by clicking on the link.

Crabman

sav4it wrote: »

I see, so as long as no details are input, no real harm would have been done just by clicking on the link.

Can't be sure - these phising sites are run by criminals; it's likely that the site could contain malicious software/harmful popups (like winfixer :rolleyes: ) - after all, someone who clicks the link and visits the site probably isn't going to be too clued up about spyware and keylogging software either

Poppycat

A good rule is never open any links in emails particularly from bank/credit cards they are nearly always phising sites, I have reported many of them over recent times and some got closed down

free4440273

sav4it wrote: »

I see, so as long as no details are input, no real harm would have been done just by clicking on the link.

...just by clicking on the link? no, probably not. but you can never tell which is why i asked a mod to make 'dead' the hyperlink. but no, it is unlikely.

jamesd

Asking for your details is the least that would happen. Attempts to install keystroke loggers to get details of your logins for other sites aren't unlikely. Installation of those might attempt to exploit security vulnerabilities in your browser to do it without you giving your consent.

Crabman

free4440273 wrote: »

...just by clicking on the link? no, probably not. but you can never tell which is why i asked a mod to make 'dead' the hyperlink. but no, it is unlikely.

Off topic I know, but to clear a slightly common misconception here - we are not mods as the [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse team [/EMAIL]deal with that role - Board Guides simply tidy up the forum by moving/merging threads etc. :beer:

Nice tip above - that is - always type in the url yourself, e.g. www.nationwide... that way you know it's definitely the authentic site. Also don't forget to look for the little padlock in your browser before entering anything.

System

Well now. Whilst my first inclination was to bin the email, in a way I brought it here, because clearly others will now be alerted. Not only have I binned it, but I've been through my system and removed every trace................hopefully.

isofa

Visiting a website can cause a "drive by" attack if your browser is insecure, loading a small payload onto your PC. Ensure your software is up-to-date. Personally I use FireFox as I've always found it more secure than Internet Explorer with some high security add-ins such as "NoScript" and "AdBlockPlus" for starters. But each to their own.

As long as no attachments were saved and run on your computer from the e-mail (you would have had to do this, unless you are running a very insecure mail client and no security software), then once the e-mail is deleted, it's safe.

Running a good anti-virus and anti-spyware package will also help a lot in this circumstances, so ensure you are!

Also if you use MS Outlook (v2000, 2003 etc), ensure it is set to prevent downloading of images, the options (these vary slightly, and my example is for 2003) can be found in:

Tools > Options > Security tab > Change Automatic Download Settings.

And on links within e-mails:

Tools > Options > Preferences tab > Junk E-mail > option at the bottom of the form "don't turn on links in messages that might connect to unsafe or fraudulent sites..." (ensure this is switched on)

Browse safely!