Consumers are being increasingly targeted by phishing and spyware scams.

The number of people targeted by online con artists attempting to fraudulently obtain bank details has risen a massive 180% year-on-year, new research by APACS has revealed.

According to the UK payments association, more than 20,000 phishing incidents – where con artists attempt to obtain online banking security information by sending out false emails – were reported in the first half of 2008.

Spyware scams, which involve a virus being installed on a computer to capture password and personal information, have also risen.

To help consumers avoid being duped, APACS has published an online guide entitled Banking Safely Online.

It offers advice on spotting phishing scams, such as emails being addressed to ‘Dear valued customer’ rather than a personal name. It also recommends anyone receiving the message to avoid replying – even if it’s to let the sender know that you are aware it’s a scam – as this can put your computer at risk.

The fact that so many people now use online banking systems – the figure has risen 505% in the past seven years to just over 21 million people – means that more people are at risk than ever before.

Sandra Quinn, Director of Communications at APACS, commented: “In the future we expect more and more people to use online banking to make payments rather than just checking balances, particularly in light of the recent introduction of the new faster payments service. This enables customers to make one-off payments over the internet or by phone within hours, not days.

“However, we strongly urge banking customers to make sure they remain wary of online scams such as unsolicited emails claiming to be from their bank, and to only use a fully protected PC with regularly updated anti-virus software and a firewall installed and switched on.”

To help ensure you stay protected, you can download APACS Banking Safely Online guide at www.cardwatch.org.uk and www.banksafeonline.org.uk

By Natasha Piscitelli