How-to Guides » Avoid scams and rip-offs

Be careful with your personal details

6 tips on this task  |  Tweet

Be careful what you give away

Banks and other financial institutions will never email you to ask you for your login details or personal security details so don’t hand them over.

Only divulge your card details in a telephone transaction when you have instigated the call and you are familiar with the company.

Guard your cards

When paying in a shop or restaurant, don’t let your credit card or debit card be taken out of sight. Always cover your PIN when entering it into a card reader in a shop or at an ATM. That way you’ll shield it from prying eyes and hidden cameras. And don’t put too many cards in your wallet – try to keep them separate.

Shred your documents

Make sure you shred all documents that show your name and address. This includes bank statements, letters from your doctor and utility bills. It’s also a good idea to shred receipts.

Use social networking sites carefully

If you use social networking sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, make sure your privacy settings are as high as possible and limit the information you publish on these sites. Avoid publishing your address, phone number and full date of birth and don’t advertise when you’re off on holiday.