Phishing attacks against online users of financial websites are on the increase. Many people are just not heeding the advice they are given. A survey in the UK found that nearly half of 16 to 24-year-olds don’t even know what “phishing” is.

Phishing is where online fraudsters “fish” for your financial details by sending fake emails purporting to come from banks and other institutions. They often lure unsuspecting recipients to false websites where they are asked to input their financial details and passwords.

The UK Daily Mail has published this advice on how to avoid such attacks:

* Avoid using an internet cafe or library for online banking. If you do, log off after use.

* If you are banking or shopping online, check that the seciruty icon — a locked padlock or unbroken key — is visible at the bottom of the screen. The internet address should begin with https, rather than http.

* Ensure that your browser: Firefox or Internet Explorer, for example, is set to a high level of security.

* Regularly check your bank statements online to see if any suspicious transactions have taken place. Report them immediately.

Two websites give more detailed information:

www.banksafeonline.org.uk
www.getsafeonline.org.uk