Lloyds warns against phishing attacks

Newly-merged UK-banking group Lloyds TSB and HBOS have taken the unusual step of warning customers that fraudsters may take advantage of their merger to launch phishing attacks.

In recent years, phishing scams which typically involve the sending of "official-looking" emails asking customers to confirm bank password, security and account details, have been steadily rising. Banks and other security providers have cautioned customers not to respond or open emails sent to them asking for such information.

However, in an effort to head off a potential attack as it goes through a long and protracted merger with HBOS, Lloyds TSB said customers should be on their guard and that it would not email them requesting account, PIN or security information.