14 DAY TRIAL // The cybercriminals who have designed the latest Lloyds TSB phishing emails have done their best to make them as legitimate-looking as possible. The fake notifications – entitled “Important Message - Your Internet Banking Account Status” look very similar to a genuine message.
As Hoax Slayer underscores, compared to previous Lloyds TSB phishing scams, this one looks like it’s made by a cybercriminal Picasso. It's properly worded, all the logos are in the right place, and even the name of the director is correct.
Although they look genuine, the links contained in the notifications don’t point to the legitimate bank website, but to a malicious webpage on which victims are requested to hand over their user ID and password.
However, the crooks don’t settle for that. Once the Continue button is pressed, a second page requests users to fill in their name, mother’s maiden name, landline number, mobile number, date of birth, account number, sort code, card number, expiry date, security code, and even ATM PIN.
As you can imagine, this information is more than enough to commit identity theft and empty the victim’s bank account.
Here’s what the emails look like. In case you come across such a message, be sure to check if the links points to a website other than the bank’s:
“Dear Lloyds TSB Customers, You can use Internet Banking to pay your bills and manage all your transactions when it suits you.
One of the ways you can do this is by our faster payments service which allows you to make one off online payments. In most cases the money is available in the recipients bank account almost immediately.
You can also register for Lloyds TSB Bill Manager, which lets you view, pay and manage your bills - particularly popular with customers who bank online.
Manage Direct Debits and standing orders
Make credit card payments
Transfer money between your accounts
Order travel money.
You can use our online banking service knowing youl be protected by the latest online security technology. We even guarantee to refund your money in the unlikely event that you experience a fraud with Internet Banking.
So, log on today for the quick, easy way to make payments and control your finances around the clock.
Yours sincerely, [Name of director] Digital Banking Director”