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Safer Online
Online banking and fraud
Keep your computer up-to-date with antivirus software, operating system updates and firewalls – and ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security
Be wary of unsolicited emails or phone calls asking you for PIN number or passwords – your bank or the police would never ask for these in full
Always type your bank’s address into your web browser – never follow a link in an email and then enter personal details
A locked padlock or unbroken key symbol should always appear in your browser window when banking online. The ‘http’ at the beginning of the website address will change to ‘https’ when a secure connection is made
When making a payment, always double check that you have entered the correct account number and sort code
Never leave your computer unattended when logged in and log off as soon as you’re finished, especially on a public computer
Check your statements regularly – if you notice anything strange, contact your bank immediately
Be wary of any unexpected or suspicious looking ‘pop-up’ windows that appear during your online banking session
Stop and think about the process you normally go through to make a payment to someone – be suspicious if it differs from the last time you used it
Fraudsters sometimes try to trick people into making a real payment by claiming “it’s just a test”
Cyber Security
Make sure your computer has up-to-date internet security software and that its switched on
Don’t reveal personal information on social networking sites
Regularly back up data on your computer including your smartphone/tablet using USBs or cloud storage
Never reveal your password or PIN when asked to do so by email or on the phone
Make sure your Wi-Fi router is secure at all times by changing the default factory password
Be careful who you are selling to and buying from on auction sites
Choose strong passwords – 3 random words is the government guideline for making a strong password
When shopping, paying or banking online, always make sure the website is secure
Always download the latest software and operating system updates when prompted
Remember your smartphone is also a target for viruses and spyware
Shred any old documents that contain personal information about you
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