Credit card scam uncovered

Police have uncovered an online scam that has breached the security of over 20,000 bank accounts and credit cards . Thieves used fake websites and spam emails in an attempt to steal an estimated GBP4 million using the passwords of their victims and their credit card numbers.

Six people have been arrested in London and Navan in Ireland, and are being questioned by officers. They are being held on suspicion of conspiracy to commit online banking fraud and crimes under the Computer Misuse Act .

The Metropolitan Police have stated that a large number of unsolicited emails were sent as part of the scam. The emails directed people to fake websites that were made to look as though they belonged to High Street banks . If people entered their passwords and other details, the details were recorded and used to transfer money out of accounts.

The online robbers successfully obtaining GBP358,000 from bank accounts before they were caught, as well as about GBP3m from credit cards.

Detective Inspector Colin Wetherill said A great deal of personal information was compromised and cleverly exploited for substantial profit. By disrupting the operation, we have hopefully prevented further loss to individuals and institutions across the UK.