Don't get hooked by net 'phishers'

ALMOST half of those using the internet have received emails trying to trick them into revealing financial details. Criminals send fake messages from banks or online services asking customers to confirm account numbers and passwords.

Once the unsuspecting customer replies, the criminals use the information to drain their accounts. The practice, known as phishing - internet slang for fishing for information - has become increasingly sophisticated.

The emails often direct the customer to a fake website, which looks like an official bank or service provider website. Some 5% of those using the internet have lost money as a result of such online scams, a poll of 2,000 users for internet service provider AOL found.

These include paying for items ordered over the net which do not arrive and sending cash after a demand from a bogus email. Of those who had lost money, more than half were not compensated by either their bank or credit card provider. A further 11% were still waiting for compensation.

Will Smith, AOL's safety and security expert, said: 'As well as using spam filters and being wary of unsolicited emails, internet users should check their bank balance regularly.'