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Ways to keep yourself safe

Take care of yourself by taking care of your phone

To protect yourself from scammers, it’s important you treat your phone’s security in the same way you would your computer. There are security apps available for some smartphones to help you do this (always check compatibility with your device).

How to keep your phone secure

  • make sure you use a login code, be careful what you save, don't download anything suspicious, and keep your operating system up-to-date
  • use your fingerprint or face ID for a simple and secure way to access your smartphone (learn about fingerprint and face ID here)
  • never let anyone else access your device using their fingerprint or any other biometric data
  • set your phone to lock automatically if you don't use it for 5 or 10 minutes
  • avoid saving your home phone number and address under ‘Home’ in your contacts.

It's also wise to be on your guard for text message and voicemail scams – and always think twice before clicking on any links.

If you lose your phone, report it to your mobile phone provider immediately. You can also let us know via our App, Online Banking or over the phone. Making a note of your phone's IMEI number will make it easier for your phone company to disable a stolen phone (dial *#06# to get it).

Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

  • Install anti-virus software


    The clue's in the name - computer viruses are nasty little things. But if you make sure you've got up-to-date anti-virus software, it should help you to keep your computer fit, healthy and secure.

    We recommend that you use reputable anti-virus software for your computer and mobile.

    The clue's in the name - computer viruses are nasty little things. But if you make sure you've got up-to-date anti-virus software, it should help you to keep your computer fit, healthy and secure.

    We recommend that you use reputable anti-virus software for your computer and mobile.

  • Keep your browser up-to-date


    Software companies work just as hard as we do to keep the bad guys at bay. Modern browsers warn you about fake and untrustworthy websites and they are less prone to viruses.

    It's a good idea to install an up-to-date web browser. There are several to choose from and they are all free.

    Software companies work just as hard as we do to keep the bad guys at bay. Modern browsers warn you about fake and untrustworthy websites and they are less prone to viruses.

    It's a good idea to install an up-to-date web browser. There are several to choose from and they are all free.

  • Activate your firewall


    A firewall blocks unwanted traffic between your computer and the internet. The latest versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple OS X have one built in - all you need to do is switch it on.

    A firewall blocks unwanted traffic between your computer and the internet. The latest versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple OS X have one built in - all you need to do is switch it on.

  • Watch out for spyware


    Some security scams are so sneaky you might not ever realise they're there. Spyware is one such blight. But luckily, there are some simple - and in some cases free - tools to help prevent anything you do on your computer from being spied on.

    Consider installing the following anti-spyware software such as AdAware and Spyware Blaster®

    Some security scams are so sneaky you might not ever realise they're there. Spyware is one such blight. But luckily, there are some simple - and in some cases free - tools to help prevent anything you do on your computer from being spied on.

    Consider installing the following anti-spyware software such as AdAware and Spyware Blaster®

  • Avoid phishing, frauds and cons


    Some criminals will try to trick you into telling them your passwords and bank details. Even if it looks and sounds legit, anyone asking for your security details is probably pulling a fast one - note that we will never, ever email or call asking for yours. If something seems a bit iffy, please let us know.

    Have a look at our fraud awareness page to find out more.

    Find out more about cyber crime at actionfraud.police.uk

    Some criminals will try to trick you into telling them your passwords and bank details. Even if it looks and sounds legit, anyone asking for your security details is probably pulling a fast one - note that we will never, ever email or call asking for yours. If something seems a bit iffy, please let us know.

    Have a look at our fraud awareness page to find out more.

    Find out more about cyber crime at actionfraud.police.uk

  • Stay safe when social networking


    Be careful what you share on things like X and Facebook. You could unwittingly give away important details that criminals need to get around security measures - first pet/mother's maiden name etc - and it sounds obvious but don't post photos of your bank card.

    Be careful what you share on things like X and Facebook. You could unwittingly give away important details that criminals need to get around security measures - first pet/mother's maiden name etc - and it sounds obvious but don't post photos of your bank card.

  • Look after paper statements


    Store receipts and paper bank statements securely and if you're planning to throw them away, make sure you always shred them before putting them in the bin. Switching to online statements will make things a bit easier - you can do this in Online Banking.

    Store receipts and paper bank statements securely and if you're planning to throw them away, make sure you always shred them before putting them in the bin. Switching to online statements will make things a bit easier - you can do this in Online Banking.

  • Our guarantee


    In the unlikely event that there's any funny business going on in your account and money is taken without your say so, in most circumstances we'll reimburse you in full - please see your account Terms and Conditions for more details.

    All we ask is that you take all reasonable precautions to keep your security details safe, like making sure no one can see them when you log on and not writing them down in a way that can be easily understood by someone else. You mustn't act fraudulently or let anyone else log on with your details.

    In the unlikely event that there's any funny business going on in your account and money is taken without your say so, in most circumstances we'll reimburse you in full - please see your account Terms and Conditions for more details.

    All we ask is that you take all reasonable precautions to keep your security details safe, like making sure no one can see them when you log on and not writing them down in a way that can be easily understood by someone else. You mustn't act fraudulently or let anyone else log on with your details.