Icesave customer security warning

British Icesave customers are being warned to be vigilant of rogue emails from hackers in light of a financial payout package from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Icesave, the British branch of Landsbanki of Reykjavik, defaulted in October leaving more than 200,000 customers without access to nearly £3bn in deposits. The government subsequently announced that it would refund all customers. The FSCS is charged with co-ordinating refunds; it will send two emails to Icesave customers. The first gives information on how people can claim their money and does not ask for account details or personal information. The second email, due in three weeks, will indicate how customers can complete a "short online process to be paid compensation". Icesave said that involves an electronic transfer through the BACS online payment processing systems. Web security analysts are warning customers to be vigilant of phishing emails that purport to be from Icesave asking for account details. Graham Cluley, of internet security firm Sophos, said people should avoid clicking on any links in suspicious-looking email. Customers should also type the correct domain name for Icesave into their browser's address bar, Cluley said. The FSCS is also operating a paper form scheme; customers can us the paper form to apply for a claim and receive the money by check. This takes up to six weeks rather than the five days for an electronic transfer but is an alternative for customers worried about online security. www.icesave.co.uk www.fscs.org.uk www.sophos.com