Millions of Sky customers warned over bank-raiding email hiding in your inbox – check it now

BRITS risk being caught out by dangerous scam emails – so you need to know the warning signs.

An official Sky security memo details the “simple steps” that can stop you from falling victim to identity fraud.

These scams can strike in a matter of seconds – and your info and money can end up in the hands of crooks before you realise what’s even happened.

Cyber-criminals often target Brits over email with scheming tricks to steal their private info.

Once you’ve been tricked into handing over information, you could be defrauded very quickly.

Sky warned that scammers could use the info to create and open bank accounts, take out credit cards or loans, make purchases in your name and more.

Now Sky has issued customers with three tips to protect their info from cybercriminals.

The first tip is to be extremely cautious if you receive demanding emails or phone calls out of the blue.

“If you receive an unsolicited email or phone call, asking for your security details, never divulge your login details, account numbers and payment details,” Sky warned.

Receiving an email or call like this can be scary.

But it’s important to not rush into handing anything over.

Instead, contact Sky directly using the details on the official website or app.

The second tip is to make sure your password is extremely secure.

“Create strong passwords for use online, and don’t use the same one for every website you login to,” Sky advised.

The first part of that is ensuring that your password is both long and complicated, making it hard to “brute force” guess.

But the second part is making sure you never re-use passwords.

Otherwise, if one of your passwords is hacked or leaked, it could be used to break into your other accounts.

Thirdly, you need to make sure you’re updating your devices regularly.

“Protect your internet connected devices with up to date security software,” Sky recommended.

By updating your devices and apps, it means you have the latest security protections.

These updates often close dangerous security holes that could be exploited by hackers.

Security updates are typically free to download and install.

It’s important to follow the advice or you find yourself in real trouble.

“Identity theft can lead to fraud that can have a direct impact on your personal finances,” Sky warned.

“And it could also make it difficult for you to take out loans, credit cards or a mortgage until the matter is resolved.”

Sky has issued a warning to millions of iPhone and Android owners over a "scan" attack that raids your bank account. Sky has issued a warning to iPhone and Android owners - saying the scam is linked to a common sign-up system on its devices.

"Sometimes when you’re signing up for a new app on Sky Q, Sky Glass or Sky Stream, we might ask you to scan a QR code that appears on your screen," Sky explained. "This is so we can get you set up faster."

"We’re currently seeing a problem where some customers, who are using third-party QR code scanner apps, are being re-directed to a fake website and having their financial details stolen," Sky warned. "We’d advise you to only use your phone’s camera when scanning QR codes on Sky pages.

"If your phone camera does not have a built-in scanner, carefully enter the URL provided next to the QR code into your phone’s browser." The TV and broadband provider has a landing page on its website dedicated to scams.

"These are fraudulent calls, emails or texts pretending to be from companies or banks and trying to get money or personal, sensitive or financial info from you. E.g. usernames, passwords, credit card details, or even your Sky viewing card number," it warns. "They might get in touch by phone, email or text, or through a website or social media, and can often look or sound genuine. No matter how you’re contacted, you should always be wary of anything you weren’t expecting."

The tech giant adds: "Fraudsters are often able to spoof or fake the calling number or sending email address, so even if it looks like it is from a company or someone you recognise, treat unsolicited or out of the blue calls, texts and emails carefully and use the advice below to look for other clues that they might not be genuine."

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