Town hall warning over banking scam

The official-looking email, which claims to be from Lloyds Bank and even contains their official logo, tells recipients the bank is introducing new online banking authentication procedures.

It goes on to say that, in order to protect the private information of online banking users, they need them to confirm their details by following a link entitled “Online banking verification”. However, Blackpool Council’s consumer protection experts have confirmed they are phishing emails and do not come from Lloyds Bank.

Residents are advised that banks will never email consumers to ask them to provide their personal details via email. Coun Gillian Campbell, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for public protection, said: “Phishing emails are a menace and can lead to identity fraud, theft and other crimes. Our officers advise residents to only communicate with their banks via the official channels – in branch, by mail, over the phone to the official numbers or via the secure online banking channels.”

If you have any concerns, call the council on (01253) 478375.