Hardly a day goes by without some online news reference to ‘phishing’, sometimes also known as ‘carding’ or ‘brand spoofing’. But what is it, how does it work and what are the effects?

Phishing is a specific form of cyber crime. It involves tricking computer users into disclosing their personal details [username, password, PIN number or any other access information] and then using these details to obtain money under false pretences. It’s fraud: data theft, followed by theft of money.