§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they will take to protect financial and online retailing enterprises from "phishing" attacks. [HL1503]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)The process of educating and protecting the public against fraudulent schemes such as "phishing" is a responsibility which is shared by government, law enforcement and industry.
In October 2003 the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU), APACS (the Association for Payment Clearing Services) and the BBA (British Bankers' Association) issued a checklist for UK consumers to help to protect themselves against the Internet fraudster.
The Home Office has also recently launched a website to combat fruad over the Internet. The "e-tailing mini site" forms part of the crime reduction website and provides advice on information security for businesses.
Where individuals fall victim to these scams, law enforcement will seek to trace those behind these schemes and either bring forward prosecutions or share information and intelligence with overseas law enforcement.