Staying safe online
Enjoy the online world, safely
Being online should feel good, not worrying. A few simple habits keep you safe, and if something doesn't feel right, we're here to check it with you. Being fooled is nothing to be embarrassed about: it happens to careful, sensible people every day.
Three golden rules
- Your bank will never ask you to move money to a "safe account", or ask for your PIN or full password.
- Real organisations don't rush you. If a message says you must act now, stop and check.
- Check using a number you already know, like the one on the back of your card, never one given in the message.
Tricks we see most often
- Parcel delivery texts asking for a small "redelivery fee".
- "Hi Mum" messages from a new number, saying they've lost their phone and need money.
- Calls from "your bank" or "the police" saying your account is at risk.
- HMRC, council or energy emails about refunds or unpaid bills.
- Pop-ups saying your computer has a virus and giving a number to call.
Good habits
- Keep your phone, tablet and computer up to date: updates fix security problems.
- Use a different password for your email than for anything else, and switch on two-step sign-in where you can.
- Keep a screen lock on your phone and tablet.
- Only download apps from the App Store or Google Play.
We check all of this for Guardian Plus clients every month, and can set it up for anyone at a home visit.
Think you're being scammed right now?
Don't wait for us:
- If someone on the phone is asking for money or bank details: stop, hang up, and call 159 to reach your bank safely.
- If you've already paid or shared details: call your bank using the number on the back of your card.
- Report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at reportfraud.police.uk.
- If you're in danger, call 999.
Let us check it for you
Send us the text, email, letter or call details and we'll tell you the same working day whether it's genuine and what to do next. A one-off check is £10, and scam checks are unlimited on our monthly plans. Our scam checks aren't an emergency service: if money or bank details are involved right now, follow the steps above first.