The Monetary Authority warns consumers about an Internet fraud in which bank account information, like passwords, is stolen through the use of 'Trojan Horse programmes'.

Police are investigating several cases reported recently.

The programmes are inadvertently installed by victims when they visit certain dubious websites or open attachments to incoming emails from dubious sources. One form of Trojan Horse programme is able to capture keystrokes typed by the user and then transmit them covertly to the fraudster.

Bank customers who discover any unauthorised transactions in their accounts should contact their banks immediately. Information and advice on Internet banking safety can be found on the authority's website.