Keep your money secure

The information in this guide was last updated on 26/02/2014

While banks and building societies take every step to protect your money, and online banking is protected by high security measures, fraudsters are always trying to find new ways to get hold of people's money. But if you know the threats and the steps you can take to protect yourself, you can reduce the risks. Find out how you can help keep your money secure and how to protect it when you bank online.

Information for Nationwide customers

If you’ve had any problems with your account or you think you may have been the victim of fraud you can contact us on 0800 30 20 11 or visit the support section on the Nationwide site.

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Different types of financial fraud....

Card fraud

This is when fraudsters get hold of your card details through online scams, creating counterfeit cards or stealing your details from a cash machine.

Top card fraud protection tips:


  • Shield your PIN when you enter it
  • Keep a close eye on your statements and flag up anything that looks suspicious
  • If you lose your card, let your bank or building society know immediately.

Find out more information about card fraud.

Identity fraud

If someone gets hold of your personal details, they might pretend to be you and apply for things like credit cards, loans or a mortgage.

Top tips:


Learn more about identity fraud.

Fraud and investment scams

These scams persuade you to part with money, often for a product that doesn’t exist.

Top tips:

  • be wary of anyone asking for money up front
  • don't reply to suspicious-looking emails, or open suspicious attachments
  • never reveal your account details over the phone or online

Learn more about fraud and investment scams.

Mobile & digital banking fraud

Fraudsters will try to trick you into giving out your internet banking and other personal details to access your account.

Top tips:

  • safeguard your mobile and computer with a passcode or password
  • protect your computer with a firewall and anti-virus software
  • tell your mobile provider immediately if your phone’s been stolen, then change the passwords for any online accounts that are accessible through your phone
  • complete a factory reset if you sell your mobile phone or tablet
  • don’t install apps from unknown sources – check they're legitimate before downloading to your device
  • don’t respond to an unknown message or number - delete them from your phone
  • don’t give out your bank details.

Learn more about mobile & digital banking fraud.

Avoiding online fraud

When you use internet banking, there’s a risk of being targeted by fraudsters. They may use malicious software to get hold of your bank or card details when you enter them online or may target you with phishing (sending emails as if from a reputable source to try to get personal information from you) and other online scams.

But there are lots of ways to protect yourself:


  • Keep your anti-malware and anti-virus software up to date – this helps to stop malicious software being installed on your computer without your knowledge
  • Never give your internet banking credentials such as your passwords, account numbers, card reader generated passcodes, codes sent by text message to your mobile and PINS over email or phone – your bank or building society should never ask for these details
  • Create a strong password for your email account – include a mix of upper and lower case letters as well as numbers and symbols.

Find out more information about how we combat online fraud.

If you think fraudsters have accessed your account, you can report online fraud to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

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