Protecting your Financial Details
It is important to keep financial documents such as bills and bank statements safe so that fraudsters cannot use these details to commit financial crimes in your name. If you no longer require a financial document it is important to dispose of this safely so that financial crimes cannot be committed in your name.
Keeping your personal information safe
Documents you no longer need:
- shred all information which you no longer need using a shredder
- tear or cut documents into small pieces
Documents you need to keep:
- locate in a safe place
- do not write down passwords or PIN numbers
Keeping details safe online
- only use a protected computer
- always use a secure server if your are inputting financial and personal information. A padlock icon should appear at the bottom of your browser or the web address should begin with 'https'
- if in doubt search for the companies contact details and postal address.
- make sure you never send your bank details or security passwords to anyone in an email
- if you do receive an official-looking email that asks you to send your financial details, you should never reply as you could become a victim of identity fraud.
Further information
For more information about how to shop and and bank safely online see:
Student Loans Company phishing guide (PDF:27.2KB)
A message from Student Finance England to students about scam or 'phishing' emails and keeping their student finance details safe. (PDF:29.8KB)
www.getsafeonline.org
www.cardwatch.org.uk
www.banksafeonline.org.uk
British Banker's Association - Information Leaflet (PDF: 279KB)
