Most of us use online accounts every day. From social media and shopping to banking and your Motability Scheme account.
We’ve seen an increase in attempts by unauthorised third parties to access accounts using information obtained from data breaches which may have occurred elsewhere. These attempts are not unique to us. Cyber criminals are becoming more sophisticated, and app scams, bank transfer fraud and even parking scams are on the rise across many industries.
The good news is that protecting yourself does not need to be complicated. A few simple habits can make a big difference and help keep your details and your finances safe online.
What to do if you think you have been scammed
If you think you have fallen victim to app fraud or bank transfer fraud:
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Contact your bank immediately
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Contact the organisation involved using a trusted method
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Change your passwords straight away
Acting quickly can reduce the impact. Here are 10 practical steps you can take today to keep your information safe.
Use a different password for each account
Using different passwords keeps everything safer. That way, if someone guesses or steals a password on one account, they cannot use it elsewhere.
If you hear that a company you use has had a data breach, change your password on that account straight away. And if you used that same password anywhere else, change it there too.
Top tip: Think of a password like a key. Using the same one everywhere makes any loss much bigger.
Make your passwords strong
We often use personal information in passwords. But scammers can sometimes find this information with a bit of research.
Using three random words together, like ‘DeskOceanRed’, is a lot harder to guess.
Avoid names and birthdays. Try not to use information someone could find online, like where you went on holiday, your pet’s name or your favourite sports team.
Top tip: Longer passwords are stronger. Aim for at least 12 characters, including numbers and special characters.
Consider using a password manager
Remembering lots of different passwords can be overwhelming. A password manager can:
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Generate strong, unique passwords
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Store them securely
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Fill them in for you when you log in
Businesses have used these for a while now, but they are becoming increasingly popular among households.
NordPass, RoboForm and 1Password are some top-rated password managers which you can have full access to for a small fee.
If you do use a password manager, then all you’ll need to remember is one strong master password.
Top tip: Think of a password manager like purchasing insurance for travel or for purchasing tickets to an event. It’s always great to have that extra security.
Be careful with emails and text messages
Scammers may pretend to be from a bank, insurance provider or even the Motability Scheme.
If you’re unsure, leave the call and contact us directly. Call us on 0300 456 4566, or use our social media channels on Instagram and Facebook. Please avoid sharing sensitive personal or financial information via social media.
You can also use the chat function on our website. Just wait for the green message icon to pop up in the corner of this page.
Your dealer may call you to ask for payment towards your Advance Payment or extras you added.
If you’re not sure about the call, hang up and call your dealer directly to check before you share any details.
This is a good rule to follow for any organisation.
Criminals often create urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Real organisations will not force you to act immediately or share sensitive information.
Top tip: If something feels wrong, pause. Check who is contacting you and why they need that information.
Do not click links you are unsure about
If you receive a message asking you to click a link, go directly to the official website instead.
Scam websites can look very convincing. Check the web address carefully for small spelling mistakes or extra words.
Top tip: If in doubt, type the website address into the browser yourself.
Keep your devices up to date
Install updates on your phone, tablet and computer. Updates can often fix security problems that criminals try to exploit.
Some scams involve malware. This is harmful software that can be installed on a device without you knowing. Using trusted antivirus or security software and running regular scans can help detect and remove it.
This is especially important for banking apps and payment apps.
Top tip: Turn on automatic updates where possible, if you’re happy to do so.
Use secure Wi-Fi
Avoid logging into important accounts or entering payment details when using public Wi-Fi. If you need to, consider using your mobile data instead.
And if you’re using a shared device, like a computer in a library, always log out of all your accounts when you finish.
Top tip: If you are making a payment, try to do it from home on your own secure connection.
Be mindful about what you share online
It is natural to share life updates on social media. But think about how much personal information you are making public.
Details like your full date of birth, home address or answers to common security questions can sometimes be used by criminals to access accounts.
Keeping some information private helps protect you from app scams and identity fraud.
Top tip: Review your privacy settings on social media and limit who can see your posts.
How to report fraud
If you have experienced fraud, you can report it to:
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Your bank
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Action Fraud or by calling 0300 123 2040
Reporting scams helps protect other people too.
If the fraud involves your Motability Scheme account, please contact us straight away. Use our social media channels on Instagram and Facebook, live chat, or call us on 0300 456 4566.
Learn more on spotting the different types of scam and what action you should take.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if I accidentally clicked on a suspicious link?
Do not enter any details. Close the page straight away. Change your passwords, especially if you entered any information.
What should I do if I have shared my bank details?
Contact your bank immediately. They can monitor your account and help protect your money. Then change your passwords on any related accounts.
What if someone is pressuring me to make a bank transfer?
Pause. Do not send the money. Contact the organisation directly using a trusted phone number. Criminals often use urgency to stop you thinking clearly.
How do I know if an app is safe?
Only download apps from official app stores. Check the app name, read reviews and avoid those with very few downloads or poor ratings.
Take a moment to check your account
Your Motability Scheme online account lets you manage your lease safely in one place.
You can log in to your account at any time to check your lease details and update your information. It’s also a good opportunity to make sure your password is strong and unique.
