How to stay safe online

Keeping your information safe from prying eyes

There are many ways your phone or computer can help you stay protected from fraudsters trying to get your personal details. We want to help you understand the features and apps available to you so you can use your device to its full protective potential.

Watch our video on protecting yourself from fraud

Useful tips to keep your information safe

Use antivirus software:

This sometimes comes with identity protection, so it can scan the dark web to check if someone’s stolen your details.

Download the latest system update:

Whether on your phone or your computer, always download the latest operating system or update. These usually include security fixes, to help keep your device safe. 

iPhone user: Check if automatic operating system updates are on or off by heading to Settings > General > Software Update.

Android user: Most system updates happen automatically. You can check if an update is available by opening Settings > Security & Privacy > System & Updates, then tap Security Update.

More tips to keep your details private

  • Use strong passwords: And change any passwords that you think someone might have found out. 
  • Use multi-factor authentication: Whenever it’s available, use things like one-time passcodes to help keep your details even more secure. 
  • Never give a passcode away: Fraudsters could ask you to give them a passcode. They could be pretending to be us. We would never ask for your passcode.

Check your credit score

If you’re worried that someone could be taking credit in your name, we offer a free credit check service in our app. So, you can check your score and see if everything looks as it should.

Keeping your family safe

Something as simple as your gaming name could give away some key details that fraudsters can piece together about you.

Downloads scam video

Tips to help keep you and your family safe

If you have a young person in your life, here are some tips to help keep you and your family safe:

  • Explore their world: Sit down with them and ask if you can watch or play alongside. What are V-Bucks, Robux and Minecoins? By asking as you go, you’ll get a better understanding about what happens in a game and what to look out for. 
  • Boundaries and warning signs: Have a conversation with them to let them know about the warning signs to look out for. Most games have settings that help parents turn on or off certain features. If you’re not sure how to do this, look online. 
  • Avoid free offers: Help them to understand that offers for free in-game currency are usually just tricks to get hold of your details or money. 

Do you game? Tips if you play online games

If you or anyone you know games, here are some tips to stay safer while online.

Be careful of who you talk to in games video

Useful tips to stay safer while online

Gaming tag

If you can, try to make your current or future PlayStation name, Xbox tag, or Steam names unique. Don’t use any personal details that relate to you.

Keep payment details private - and out of a game

Maybe you’re concerned about someone getting hold of your card details, or you want to avoid games that encourage regular ‘micro-transactions’ (small but regular payments). Try to avoid having your card details in too many places.

Keep your login details safe

Only log in on trusted gaming platforms – scam websites might try and tempt you by offering in-game currency like Robux or V-Bucks to log in elsewhere.

Oversharing can be risky

Never give any details in an in-game chat that you wouldn’t give a stranger in real life.