Protecting yourself

If you do think you have been the victim of fraud, act promptly. If you have an M&S Bank card, call 0345 900 0900. And notify any other credit providers straightaway.

Hints and tips on how to avoid scams and keep safe

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.

  • Keep passwords safe
  • Always log out
  • Don't give away too much personal information
  • Keep your cards safe
  • Keep your computer's software up-to-date and watch out for bugs!
  • Install anti-virus software
  • Use Trusteer Rapport
  • Follow our useful tips

Keep passwords safe

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.

Always log out

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.

Don't give away too much personal information

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.

Keep your cards safe

  • Remember to sign your card as soon as you receive it and keep it in a safe place
  • When using your card, shield your card number and PIN so that others around you can't see it
  • Never hand your cards over to anyone who says they are coming to collect them. We would never ring to say we were coming to pick up your cards, and neither would the police
  • If you have additional cardholders, ensure they are also aware of these tips
  • Report a lost or stolen card immediately

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.

Keep your computer's software up-to-date and watch out for bugs!

Using the latest software version makes your computer more secure. Always register your software for support – and subscribe to alert and update services.

Install anti-virus software

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.

Use Trusteer Rapport

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.

Uninstall remote access software

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.

Follow our useful tips

  • Keep your information up to date – from time to time we may contact you to request information or documents from you.
  • Check your bank and credit card statements as soon as you receive them – and report any transactions you don't recognise.
  • Keep a note of when your bills and statements should arrive in the post. If you don't receive a statement, tell the organisation straightaway.
  • Get regular updates of your personal credit file to see which financial organisations have accessed your details. You can get copies of your credit file from a credit reference agency:
    Experian
    Call Credit
    Equifax
  • Be wary of unsolicited approaches by phone, especially if you are asked to provide any personal information.
  • If you are suspicious or feel vulnerable, don't be afraid to end the call and refuse requests for information.
  • M&S Bank will never call you unexpectedly to ask you to generate a security code on your M&S PASS or ask for your PIN number.
  • Never share your security details with anyone else.