Small business have been warned not to fall for an online scam created by fraudsters posing as Lloyds TSB bank, Startups.co.uk can reveal.
Intended victims, who include Startups.co.uk, are being sent emails requesting that they fill out their banking details on an authentic-looking Lloyds TSB form.
The apparently genuine form and the lloydstsb.co.uk email address have already lured several business customers to giving away their details, allowing the fraudsters access to their bank accounts.
However, Lloyds TSB has stressed that they never ask for such details via email, due to security concerns.
The Lloyds TSB scam is the latest in a series of similar banking frauds, with con artists posing as Barclays bank in recent weeks.
Emile Abu-Shakra, a spokesman for Lloyds TSB, told Startups.co.uk that business customers should not fall for this potentially damaging scam.
“The scam sends emails randomly to customers and non-customers. It always follows the same pattern – the victims are sent a link that looks very much the Lloyds TSB internet banking site.
“We urge people not to complete these forms. We never ask for this kind of information by email due to security concerns.
“Although people are wising up to these scams, a handful of people have still been caught out.
“These fraudsters are exploiting people who can’t keep their details secret – it’s just like giving away your PIN number to a stranger at the cash machine.
“We are working with the Home Office’s National High-Tech Crime Unit and the FBI in America to ensure these sites are closed down.
“Lloyds TSB will fully reimburse any customer who loses money through this scam,” he promised.
Anyone who feels they have been targeted by this scam should call Lloyds TSB on 0845 3000116
