Log in Pages (fakes)
Links can also often take us to a site where we need to register or log in. It will usually look like a site you know or have used before - but .. IS IT REALLY THAT SITE?
Log in pages
Look at the personal details you can disclose if the page you have landed on is a fake.
The address line in your browser can tell you if its a fake. If you clicked this link
(remember to hover over it first to see where it will take you) you would see this in the address line
The padlock sign and https: show the communication between you and the site are secure; that doesnt mean its a clean site. If you had seen https://www.loydsbank.ru.com - or ANYTHING other than https://www.lloydsbank.com/ you should be VERY suspicious.
So ALWAYS hover over the link, and look at the address line before entering personal data.
If you have entered these details on the "login" page you have ALREADY given the criminals that information.
So, if you use the same password on other sites, they could use that to log in as you - to access your facebook, paypal or email.
If its a "fake page" you may find the login will "fail" and you will be taken to the "new account" "register" or "confirm details" page.
Now they will get more.
The "new account" page may ask for a LOT more information to be entered.
This example is from a genuine online shopping site.
You will likely be asked for more than is shown here -
such as your address, postcode, bank account details etc.
Why do the criminals want your personal information?
These tricks to get your personal information are called "Phishing". The information they gather is SOLD to other criminals. One purpose is to get your email address so they can send you an email. Of course if you divulge your bank details ...