Protecting yourself
Hints and tips on how to avoid scams and keep safe
If you think you've been a victim of fraud, act promptly.
If you have M&S Bank card, call 0345 900 0900. Also, let any other credit providers know straightaway.
There's lots you can do to help protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.
Start by following these simple steps and be aware of the various ways that fraud can be carried out.
Never tell someone your password or PIN – or write them down. Don't be tempted to use passwords that can easily be guessed such as children's names or birth dates. Choose a combination of numbers and letters of upper and lower case to strengthen your password. And don't use the same password for other online accounts.
If you're in a secure (padlocked) part of the M&S Bank website, always click on the log out link when you've finished. And if other people use your computer, close the internet browser too.
Social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, are becoming a particular target for cyber-criminals wanting to gather small pieces of personal information published online. If you allow it, people can see your date of birth, mobile number, address, information on your family and potentially much more. If enough personal information is collected, it could be used to steal your identity.
Instead try to limit how much personal info you give away online. And check the privacy settings on each site that you use to make sure you only share personal information with people you trust.
If you have any questions or concerns about the security of your M&S Bank cards, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us on 0345 900 0900.
Using the latest software version makes your computer more secure. Always register your software for support – and subscribe to alert and update services.
Internet viruses are bad news. They steal personal information, can take over your PC or even use your computer to attack other people's. An up-to-date anti-virus software should protect you against all of them.
There are many effective anti-virus software programs to choose from – both paid for and free – ask someone you trust what they use or do your research on the internet. Set the software to scan files when you access them – and to download updates when you go online.
And don't forget, anti-virus software isn't just for computers, so make sure any other devices you use for surfing the web are also protected.
Provides free security software to help protect you against online banking identity theft and fraud. Rapport is able to identify and remove malicious software (malware) which targets online banking, a lot of which cannot be identified by regular anti-virus products.
Software is available to allow genuine people to remotely access your PC (IT companies for repair, for example). Fraudsters can also use this to remotely access your PC and act on your behalf. If you do not need to use this software, remove it from your PC.
If you think you've been the victim of a scam,
report it to us as soon as
soon as
possible by calling
0345 900
0900.
You should also report it to Action
Fraud (link opens in a new
window).
You can also visit the Take Five (link opens in a new window) website for more help on protecting yourself against fraud.
We also have our own own scams leaflet which tells you more about how to stay safe online.