www.actionfraud.police.uk Open in urlscan Pro
2606:4700::6810:fb07  Public Scan

Submitted URL: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/individual-protection
Effective URL: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/individual-protection
Submission: On April 20 via api from IE — Scanned from DE

Form analysis 1 forms found in the DOM

<form class="ng-pristine ng-valid">
  <textarea remove-illegal-chars="" aria-label="Message" ng-model="feedbackCtrl.message" class="ng-pristine ng-untouched ng-valid ng-empty" aria-invalid="false"></textarea>
  <button data-feedback="trigger-send" type="button" ng-click="feedbackCtrl.click('submit')" class="button button-one-full button-lg" ng-disabled="feedbackCtrl.message == '' || feedbackCtrl.message === null" disabled="disabled">Send feedback</button>
</form>

Text Content

Trending tags
phishing
cold calls
malware
FAQ
What is Action Fraud? Who are the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau? How do I
make a report to Action Fraud? I have registered on the website, what can I do?
I have registered on your website but didn’t receive a confirmation email? What
crimes cant I report to Action Fraud What happens to my report once has it been
made to Action Fraud? I would like an update on my report? Can I withdraw my
report? Support / Guidance Other languages Who are NECVCU? How do I make a
complaint about a member of the NFIB, City of London Police? I have registered
on the website and I am unable to see my report? What is FALCON?
Try full text search

This website uses cookies. You can manage or block these using your browser
setting

Find out more Ok, thanks
Home
 * Reporting
 * Types of fraud
 * Prevention
 * Newsroom
 * About us

 * Reporting
   * Reporting fraud
   * Report a phishing attempt
   * Guide to reporting
   * Reporting in local language
   * Adroddiad yn gymraeg
   * FAQs
 * Types of fraud
   * What is fraud?
   * A-Z fraud
 * Prevention
   * Free cybercrime protection
   * Victim resources
   * Individual protection
   * Business protection
   * Useful organisations
   * Sign-up for Action fraud alert
 * Newsroom
   * News
   * Campaigns
   * Press and media
 * About us
   * What is Action Fraud
   * What is National Fraud Intelligence Bureau
   * Who reports fraud to us?
   * Resources
   * Partners
   * Contact us

Report fraud Call us 0300 123 2040
Cymraeg
English
   
 * English
   
 * Shqip
   
 * Czech
   
 * Français
   
 * Deutsch
   
 * Italiano
   
 * Basa Jawa
   
 * Lietuviškai
   
 * Polski
   
 * Português
   
 * Român
   
 * Soomaali
   
 * Español
   
 * Türkçe
   
 * Cymraeg
   
 * العربية
   
 * বাঙালি
   
 * 中文
   
 * ગુજરાતી
   
 * हिंदी
   
 * 日本語
   
 * 한국어
   
 * 中文
   
 * मराठी
   
 * ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
   
 * Pусский
   
 * தமிழ்
   
 * తెలేగు
   
 * اردو
   
 * Tiếng Việt-nam
   

Login
 * Reporting
   * Reporting fraud
   * Report a phishing attempt
   * Guide to reporting
   * Reporting in local language
   * Adroddiad yn gymraeg
   * FAQs
 * Types of fraud
   * What is fraud?
   * A-Z of fraud
 * Prevention
   * Free cybercrime protection
   * Victim resources
   * Individual protection
   * Business protection
   * Useful organisations
   * Sign-up for Action fraud alert
 * Newsroom
   * News
   * Campaigns
   * Press and media
 * About us
   * What is Action Fraud
   * What is National Fraud Intelligence Bureau
   * Who reports fraud to us?
   * Resources
   * Partners
   * Contact us
 * 
 * 

Home Protect yourself from fraud and cyber crime


PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD AND CYBER CRIME

54065 shares

Although fraud and cybercrime comes in many forms, there are some simple steps
you can take to protect yourself.

1. Do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details, email or
phone number) to organisations or people before verifying their credentials.

 * Always question unsolicited calls, texts or emails requesting your personal
   or financial information (name, address, bank details, email or phone
   number). Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone
   number.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Make sure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall
installed. Ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security and
monitoring to prevent malware issues and computer crimes.

 * Always install the latest software and app updates on all of your devices.
   Protect your email account with a strong, separate password and enable
   two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.
 * Installing, or enabling, antivirus software on your laptops and computers
   will protect them from viruses and hackers.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Many frauds start with a phishing email. Remember that banks and financial
institutions will not send you an email asking you to click on a link and
confirm your bank details. Do not trust such emails, even if they look genuine.
You can always call your bank using the phone number on a genuine piece of
correspondence, website (typed directly into the address bar) or the phone book
to check if you’re not sure.

 * Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.
 * Remember, email addresses and phone numbers can be spoofed, so don't use
   those as a means to verify that a message or call is authentic.
 * The best way to get in touch with a company is to use a known email or phone
   number, such as the one on the back of your bank card.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Sign-up to Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code whenever you are given
the option while shopping online. This involves you registering a password with
your card company and adds an additional layer of security to online
transactions with signed-up retailers.

 * Layer up your protection. When shopping online, always check the web address
   to make sure you are on the correct site and sign-up to Verified by Visa or
   MasterCard Secure Code whenever you are given the option. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. You should regularly get a copy of your credit file and check it for entries
you don’t recognise. Callcredit, Equifax and Experian can all provide your
credit file. An identity protection service such as ProtectMyID monitors your
Experian credit report and alerts you by email or SMS to potential fraudulent
activity. If it's fraud, a dedicated caseworker will help you resolve
everything.

 * You should regularly get a copy of your credit
   file. Callcredit, Equifax, Experian, ClearScore and Noddle can all provide
   you with a copy. If you spot anything suspicious, make sure your report it as
   soon as possible.
 * If you have been affected by a data breach that leaked your personal or
   financial details, monitor your credit file and bank accounts regularly for
   any unusual activity.
 * An identity protection service such as ProtectMyID monitors your Experian
   credit report and alerts you by email or SMS to potential fraudulent
   activity. If its fraud, a dedicated caseworker will help you resolve
   everything.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. Destroy and preferably shred receipts with your card details on and post with
your name and address on. Identity fraudsters don’t need much information in
order to be able to clone your identity.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7. If you receive bills, invoices or receipts for things that you haven’t
bought, or financial institutions you don’t normally deal with or contact you
about outstanding debts, take action. Your identity may have been stolen.

 * Stay in control, destroy your receipts and posts with you name on. If you
   receive a bill, invoice, or receipts for things you haven’t brought or
   normally deal with, take action. Your identity may have been stolen.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8. Be extremely wary of post, phone calls or emails offering you business deals
out of the blue. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always
question it.

 * Listen to your instincts and be wary of unsolicited calls, emails or online
   ads offering deals that sound too good to be true.
 * Genuine banks, or other trusted organisations, won't pressure you into making
   a financial transaction, if something feels wrong then it's usually right to
   question it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9. If you have been a victim of fraud, be aware of fraud recovery fraud. This is
when fraudsters pretend to be a lawyer or a law enforcement officer and tell you
they can help you recover the money you’ve already lost.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10. If you need advice about fraud or cyber crime get in contact with us.

Was this helpful to you?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback!

IF YOU LIKE THIS, PLEASE SHARE IT

54065 shares

PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL DETAILS TO IMPROVE THIS ARTICLE.

Send feedback

You can also report and get advice about fraud or cyber crime by calling

0300 123 2040

ACTION FRAUD

Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime
where you should report fraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced
cyber crime.

FIND US

 * 
 * 
 * 
 * 

ACCESSIBILITY

 * A-
 * A
 * A+
 * b&w

 * Accessibility statement

REPORTING

 * Reporting fraud
 * Report a phishing attempt
 * Guide to reporting
 * Fraud stats
 * Reporting in local language
 * Adroddiad yn gymraeg
 * FAQs

NEWSROOM

 * News
 * Campaigns
 * Press and media

TYPES OF FRAUD

 * What is fraud?
 * A-Z fraud

PREVENTION

 * Free cybercrime protection
 * Victim resources
 * Individual protection
 * Business protection
 * Useful organisations
 * Sign-up for Action fraud alert

ABOUT US

 * What is Action Fraud
 * What is National Fraud Intelligence Bureau
 * Who reports fraud to us?
 * Resources
 * Partners
 * Contact us

 * FAQs
 * Privacy information
 * Data sharing
 * Information charter
 * Copyright
 * Sitemap

Action Fraud is a registered trademark ®



 * 




LIVE CHAT

Tab to the end of the page to access this notification.

close