Phishing E-Mail Attacks Barclays Bank PINsentry Users

Barclays Bank's online customers are being targeted in a recently launched e-mail scam tricking them into divulging their account information to cyber criminals for the second time during October 2008, as reported by webuser on October 13, 2008.

According to the e-mail hitting inboxes of Barclays' PINsentry users, the recipient is asked to view an attached file and enters his/her account particulars, claiming that there is need to upgrade the device being used for security protection.

The PINsentry, which provides an additional layer of security to users' accounts give peace to them, is a much-preferred device for most online customers of Barclays Bank. However, it appears that scammers are trying to capitalize on this accomplishment by attempting to steal customers' banking and other personal information by mailing a phishing message to the PINsentry users.

Nevertheless, according to Barclays, there has been a 95% decline in online fraud because of its new PINsentry system that permits customers to sign on Barclays' Website only after the system verified their cards. But the scammers are trying to capture bank details so that they can use the information in their phishing assaults.

Meanwhile, the phishing e-mail says that in order to help customers protect their account from online fraud, the security for Barclays Online Banking is being upgraded which requires upgradation of PINsentry. Further, it requests the user for almost everything, including his pass code for telephone banking.

Moreover, in the 1st week of October 2008, another spoofed e-mail had hit Barclays. The message encouraged customers to enter their personal information onto a phony site. The title used in that e-mail "restore your account", and now a new phishing e-mail is circulating on the network.

Meantime, Barclays Bank has advised customers to remain vigilant and do not respond to such kinds of e-mails, as the bank never sends such e-mails to its customers.

Furthermore, there has been an increase in phishing attacks against banks, as APACS, the UK payments association reported. The association said that internet banking fraud rose 185% during January-June 2008, resulting in losses of approximately £21.4 Million ($37.68 Million).

Related article: Phishing With A Redirector Code

» SPAMfighter News - 10/20/2008