The typeface might be blotchy, too small or too large, or pictures are poor quality.

Phishing emails usually contain links which the fraudulent sender wants you to visit.

The URL text in the email may look legitimate, but if you hold your mouse cursor over the link (without clicking it) the actual destination will appear at the bottom of your screen. If it doesn’t match the text in your email, ignore and delete the email.

In addition to the point above, look at the link itself.

A genuine link from Danske Bank will contain ‘danskebank.co.uk’ followed by a ‘/’ and the subdomain – for example www.danskebank.co.uk/mortgages

If there is anything between the ‘danskebank.co.uk’ and the ‘/’ then be careful, as this indicates that the link has not originated from us and may be malicious.

For example, www.danskebank.co.uk.dodgylink.com/mortgages

This suggests that the email has been written by a small-time criminal operator or someone from overseas.

When we send you an email or letter, we always review it for accuracy as well as correct use of English.

This could take the form of an email that promises you a large sum of money if you take a certain action, or promises to pay your mortgage off for you if you click a link. Ask yourself, why would someone do this for you out of the blue?

We already know your account number and sort code, and the numbers of any debit or credit cards you might have.

We will never contact you to ask for personal information such as card details, passwords and internet banking log on information through email, by text or by telephone.

A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your PIN, full password or to move money to another account. Only give out personal or financial details to use a service that you’re expecting to contact you, that you’ve given your consent to and that you trust.

If the email addresses an issue you didn’t ask about, it’s probably not genuine.

For example, you get an email telling you to click a link to register your new credit card. But you haven’t applied for one.

Phishers want to steal your money. If they don’t get it by tricking you into revealing account or card numbers, they’ll ask you to send it to them directly for one of a number of fictitious reasons, including things like medical care, investment in business, legal fees, and so on.

If you are in financial or other difficulties, we will always try and help you address them. We certainly won’t send you letters, texts or emails that immediately threaten account closures unless you comply with our demands.

If you receive an email that appears to have been sent by us that requests you to enter personal information such as your account number or credit card number, do not reply and do not follow the instructions - even if the email suggests that you need to take immediate action to stop your account being frozen, or threatens you with fines if you don't.