UK internet users naive to phishing scams

UK internet users are ill-prepared to spot and avoid malicious email scams, according to a national security survey released today.

The research - released by government and business sponsored security awareness portal Get Safe Online - says that more than 11 million UK consumers have received malicious emails aimed at tricking them into giving out bank details.

But despite this some 29 per cent, or 8 million, UK adults are unsure what protective measures to take to combat phishing emails and in many case are totally unaware they are being directed to a fake site set up by criminals.

The survey conducted by ICM, on behalf of Get Safe Online, also found that almost half of UK consumers would not automatically delete suspicious emails.

More than a quarter (28 per cent) said they 'just trusted their instincts' when it came to trying to avoid online scams.

'It is important that consumers are aware of the increase and professionalism of online scammers,' said Nick Staib, a spokesman for Get Safe Online. 'You wouldn’t let a suspicious sales person into your house; and the same amount of caution should be taken when receiving emails from unfamiliar people or companies.'

Get Safe Online, a internet security awareness campaign sponsored by the Serious Organised Crime Agency, government and the financial services industry, warned that people should never give out financial details via email.

'Conmen prey on trusting consumers and there are a number of protective measures that people can take. We urge people to seek advice from an experienced source and visit the Get Safe Online website if they unsure about anything they receive,' he said.

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