From time to time we at ING will provide information on security related news items that we feel you should be aware of. These security updates will be presented on this page.

A phishing attack is an online fraud technique which involves sending official-looking email messages with return addresses, links and branding that all appear to come from legitimate banks, retailers, credit card companies, etc. Such emails typically contain a hyperlink to a spoof website and mislead account holders to enter customer names and security details on the pretence that security details must be updated or changed. Once you give them your information it can be used on legitimate sites to take your money.

Vishing is an adaptation of phishing attacks that uses telephone or VoIP (Voice over IP tools). You may receive an email or SMS asking you to call a free phone number to confirm your details, or you may receive a phone call with a recorded message asking you to input your account details. Once you have done this, the attacker is free to use your personal information to attack your account.

To protect yourself use only the published official call centre numbers for your financial services company and be cautious in giving out your personal information over the telephone. Remember ING will never ask you for your password over the phone.

ING monitors the internet to find imitation websites which are often the first step made by phishers. We then work with the appropriate international authority to get the websites closed down as quickly as possible.

You may already have heard of 'advance fee fraud', where emails offering large sums of money are sent to thousands of email addresses, but a modest 'fee' is required in order to cover legal fees, open an account or pay customs charges. Sometimes the money offered is as a result of a lottery for which you have never bought a ticket. Sometimes the money is held in an account overseas but the account owner cannot access it, they promise a percentage of the money in return for your help. In both cases various fees have to be paid.

Do not respond to these emails. They are part of a fraud and you will not receive any of the promised money.

We place this warning here because we are aware that the criminals carrying out these frauds do on occasion use the name of ING, ING or an ING Vysya subsidiary as part of this scam.