Butterfield Bank is warning people to beware of emails that try to steal personal or credit card information.

Called "phishing" emails, these messages often claim to be from a legitimate source, such as MasterCard or VISA. They will usually try to direct people to a web site where personal and/or credit card information is requested.

Two emails are currently circulating, claiming to be from MasterCard or VISA.

One tries to scare people into responding by claiming hackers have accessed "processings", the other claims it is introducing a "new security system" and asks customers to reactivate their card due to a "technical update". Both direct people to phoney web sites.

Susan Mylchreest, vice president, Electronic Banking said: "Customers should never respond to any unsolicited email requests for information, even if they claim to be from a known organisation.

"The good news is that as long as you do not respond, you are safe. Just delete them from your mailbox."

Ms Mylchreet said Phishers are getting more sophisticated in using scenarios that someone just might believe.

"All you need to remember, however, is that the Bank, VISA and MasterCard will never approach you by email asking for your card number, PIN or the security code in your signature panel. If you are ever in any doubt, call the Bank at 299-3800 before you do anything.

"To the best of our knowledge, none of our customers have been caught out by these phishing scams, but we like to regularly remind people to be on the alert for their own protection."