Staying safe from fraud

Protecting yourself

Security of your credentials

When you apply to use our services online, we will set up security credentials for you. Your credentials give you access to Barclays Online services, and you should take adequate steps to make sure that this online information remains secret. To safeguard these details you should:

Memorise your passcode, memorable word, and destroy your passcode letter once you have memorised your passcode
Ensure that you do not tell anyone your passcode or memorable word, and ensure that they are kept secret by taking appropriate steps to prevent disclosure to a third party
Never keep details of your passcode or memorable word with your membership number in the same place
Avoid using the same passcode or memorable word on other websites.

Please contact us immediately if your credentials have been lost or stolen.

Logging out

If you have logged in to the secure area of the site and then choose to finish your session, you should always log out to prevent unauthorised access to your account.

Public computers

Be extra vigilant if using public computers, including internet cafés, or Wi-Fi hotspots, where there is an increased risk of your online details being compromised. It is recommended that you use computers which you directly control, or at least consider to be secure, to access Barclays Online.

Do not select options to remember your details on a computer other people may use.

Protecting your cards

Credit card fraud is a wide-ranging term for theft and fraud committed using or involving a payment card, such as a credit card or debit card, as a fraudulent source of funds in a transaction. There are steps you can take to protect yourself from credit and debit card fraud.

If you are concerned about the security of your account, contact us.

Lost and stolen card fraud

This occurs when a lost or stolen card is used by a fraudster posing as you. Most lost and stolen card fraud occurs before you report the loss.

To protect yourself:

Report any lost or stolen cards immediately
Only carry the cards you need
Avoid placing cards in your pockets, where they can easily fall out
Make sure that your cards fit snugly inside your wallet or purse
Take precautions to avoid your card being stolen - for example, don't leave your handbag unattended or carry your wallet in your back pocket
Always shield your PIN from any observers when using cash machines.

Protecting your computer

Anti-virus and personal firewall protection

Anti-virus software is used to prevent, detect and remove known viruses from computers and mobile devices. When you use anti-virus software, ensure that you carry out regular software updates to keep it as up to date as possible. If your anti-virus software has a virus scanner option, it is recommended that you schedule regular scans of your computer. If a virus is ever found, it is recommended that you follow the instructions provided by your anti-virus software.

Personal firewall software works in the background to manage traffic to and from your computer according to its security policy.

It is recommended that in addition to using anti-virus software, you use a personal firewall. This will help to protect you from online threats by acting as a barrier between the public internet and your personal computer or mobile device, provided you carry out regular updates.

Top anti-fraud tips

Protect yourself from fraud

Fraud crime is growing and everybody needs to be aware of it. We hope you find the following tips useful and informative.

Keep your details safe. Keep your cards, passwords, PINs, documents and personal information secure.

Be suspicious of any unsolicited communications that ask for your personal details.

Although unsolicited phone calls, letters, emails or texts can look or sound legitimate, chances are they're fraudulent. Don't respond to these kinds of communications until you've contacted the company concerned using contact details that you know and trust to check that they're genuine.

Be careful

Never download software, open attachments or follow links that you've been sent by email unless you're sure they're safe.

If in doubt, delete the email immediately. These tricks are commonly used by fraudsters to install trojans or spyware.

Check your bank and credit card statements carefully.