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Credit expert warns of phishing scams

Online credit information provider Equifax has added its voice to warnings being issued to consumers urging them to be wary of phishing scams exploiting the names of beleaguered UK banks.

Following the merger of some of the banks affected by the credit crunch, cyber crooks have launched phishing attacks with emails urging consumers to "update" their banking details.

However, consumers are advised to ignore these emails as this is just another "sneaky way of extracting personal information from unexpected consumers", according to Neil Munroe, external affairs director of Equifax.

"Fraudsters think nothing of taking advantage of a bad situation for their own gain, which is precisely why consumers need to be cautious," he stated.

"Phishing scams look legitimate, but a real bank would never ask customers to confirm security information in this way."

Such emails should be deleted immediately and those that suspect they may have been compromised are advised to contact their banker.

Lloyds Banking Group recently warned consumers of former banks that merged to form the new group to watch out for similar scams.

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