Fishing, in this case, means an e-mail soliciting personal banking information and Lloyds TSB customers are the potential victims.

An e-mail started doing the rounds at the weekend. It went to hundreds of addresses including those of non LloydsTSB customers and is titled 'please verify your Lloyds TSB accout'.

The e-mail says that because of a technical update to the website, clients need to verify and re-activate their accounts by clicking on a web link in the page.

For the more observant, a clue that this e-mail might not be legitimate lies in the spelling mistake in the e-mail subject box.

Warning

The content of the e-mail itself has yet more clues in it, because the English is incorrect in quite a few places.

But if you're not suspecting anything and go straight to the link that they provide in the e-mail, then you can easily be fooled by the website itself which looks remarkably similar to Lloyds TSB's own site.

The site requests personal information like your date of birth and memorable information.

Quick response

Lloyds TSB were made aware of the scam almost immediately and took steps to disable the fraudulent site.

According to Sarah Kidner at Computing Which? Consumers are getting more and more savvy about this type of scam and needn't worry unduly:

"Internet banking is as safe as any other form of banking . The banks use strong inscription, you have a PIN number, and a security number that is unique to yourself.

"Nobody is going to be able to hack through the banks security system to get through to your internet bank account unless you do something stupid like just a send a reply to one of these emails handing out your details," she added.

But consumers should note that if they do divulge their personal information, then they will lose their legal protection. Your bank has every right to refuse to compensate you if you divulge your PIN and pass words.

Lloyds TSB response

Lloyds TSB say that no customers have been duped and that an alert has been put on their own website.

According to a Lloyds TSB spokesperson:

"Lloyds TSB never asks customers, by email, to enter any security information, passwords or internet banking 'memorable information' in full.

"This message is clearly displayed on the security section of our website and has been reiterated to all branch and telephone banking staff.

"We are very confident about the security of our Internet Banking site - and it is our top priority - but customers must ensure they keep their security details secret."

Not the first time

Internet fraudsters are rife, and the banking fraternity were first warned about this type of scam last October.

At the time the British Bankers Association, APACS - the payment clearing association and the National Hi-tech crime unit issued a joint statement warning consumers of the dangers of these types of scam.

David Lennox, Director, Fraud & Physical Security at the BBA said:"The threats in the online world are the same as in the offline world."

"While these types of fraud have always been with us, the Internet is now being used as the preferred medium for attempting to carry them out".

Top tips

In general when receiving unsolicited e.mails or spam mail, bear the following tips in mind:

1. Know who you are dealing with - go to the website address you know, don't rely on a link to get you there.

2. Keep passwords and PIN numbers safe - be wary of who you pass this information to. Your bank and the police would never contact you to ask you to disclose PINs or all your password information.

3. Check your bank's website for alerts about fraudulent activity.

4. Keep your PC secure with up-to-date anti-virus software.