15 Things to Against Online Fraud

1
Make up and use a proper, effective password for each separate website - don't skimp on this, it's your first line of defence so make it a good one

2
Don't use the same password for several sites and ensure you change passwords each month - it's a drudge but it's worse than suffering loss

3
Don't (ever) give your 'pin' or other security numbers away to anyone and always check why someone wants your bank details - learn to refuse if unsure.

4
Never give someone your password to 'sign you in' and never give anyone your financial details for any reason - remember that, at worst, they may not take as good care of them as you do

5
Don't be panicked into acting on an email, pick up the phone and call your bank or log onto the bank site but type in the url or copy and paste from a list only you hold

6
Never click links in emails, always type in or copy and paste from a list under your control

7
Check online statements regularly - or at least once a week for seldom used accounts - and remember your Ebay account, too

8
Securely delete or electronically shred sensitive files on your machine, never delete them or, worse, put them in the recycle bin. Electronic data erasers are available free or for a small charge on the internet

9
Don't use photocopiers for sensitive documents - many new ones keep a copy of the document they process that may be accessible to others. If you want a photocopy you can scan and print

10
Never, ever, keep copies of financial documents unprotected on your hard drive and never keep printed copies unprotected around the house or in your office

11
Visit each financial institution you use and write down the number or numbers to call if something goes wrong and note also the procedure to follow

12
Important documents that can only be replaced with difficulty must be stored somewhere safe away from your home or work address like a bank or safe deposit

13
Use a shredder or burn sensitive documents you receive in the post or ones you print from the internet and make sure there are no exceptions to this

14
Remember phishing works on the phone, too - especially if your number is discoverable from the internet or from work documents

15
If you find something unusual - don't delay but act the same day