Security

Protect Yourself

Security of your credentials

When you apply to use our services online, we will set up security credentials for you. Your credentials give you access to Barclays Online services, and you should take adequate steps to make sure that this online information remains secret. To safeguard these details you should:

• Memorise your passcode, memorable word, and destroy your passcode letter once you have memorised your passcode
• Ensure that you do not tell anyone your passcode or memorable word, and ensure that they are kept secret by taking appropriate steps to prevent disclosure to a third party
• Never keep details of your passcode or memorable word with your membership number in the same place
• Avoid using the same passcode or memorable word on other websites

Please contact us immediately if your credentials have been lost or stolen.

Logging out
If you have logged in to the secure area of the site and then choose to finish your session, you should always log out to prevent unauthorised access to your account.

Public computers
Be extra vigilant if using public computers, including internet cafés, or wireless hotspots, where there is an increased risk of your online details being compromised. It is recommended that you use computers which you directly control, or at least consider to be secure, to access Barclays Online.

Do not select options to remember your details on a computer other people may use.

Protect your computer

Anti-virus and personal firewall protection

Anti-virus software is used to prevent, detect and remove known viruses. When you use anti-virus software, ensure that you carry out regular software updates to keep it as up to date as possible. If your anti-virus software has a virus scanner option, it is recommended that you schedule regular scans of your computer. If a virus is ever found, it is recommended that you follow the instructions provided by your anti-virus software.

Personal firewall software works in the background to manage traffic to and from your computer according to its security policy.

It is recommended that in addition to using anti-virus software, you use a personal firewall. This will help to protect you from online threats by acting as a barrier between the public internet and your personal computer, provided that you carry out regular updates.

Top anti-fraud tips

Protect yourself from fraud

Fraud crime is growing and everybody needs to be aware of it. We hope you find the following tips useful and informative.

Keep your details safe. Keep your cards, passwords, PINs, documents and personal information secure.

Be suspicious of any unsolicited communications that ask for your personal details.

Although unsolicited phone calls, letters, emails or texts can look or sound legitimate, chances are they're fraudulent. Don't respond to these kinds of communications until you've contacted the company concerned to check that they're genuine.

Be careful

Never download software, open attachments or follow links that you've been sent by email unless you're sure they're safe.

If in doubt, delete the email immediately. These tricks are commonly used by fraudsters to install trojans or spyware.

Check your bank and credit card statements carefully

Contact us straight away if you spot any transactions you don't recognise.

Fraud prevention links and resources

Learn more about fraud prevention

All of the external sites you can reach through this website are here to help you. However, we must tell you that we accept no responsibility or liability for the content, accuracy or availability of any external site you may encounter.

• Get safe online
  This site has been developed by the Government, police and industry. It offers advice on staying safe online and protecting your computer and the personal information it contains. 
• Action Fraud 
  The UK’s national fraud reporting centre where you should report fraud if you have been scammed or defrauded.
• Identity theft 
  Developed by the Government, Metropolitan Police and various industry bodies, this site offers detailed advice about identity theft and how you can protect yourself from it. 
• Visa website 
  This service, in association with Visa, protects your card against unauthorised use when you shop online at participating retailers. 
• Mailing Preference Service 
  By registering with this service, you can reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive, which can help reduce the risk of identity theft. You can also register the details of relatives who've passed away. 
• Metropolitan Police Service 
  This site contains more detailed information about specific frauds, such as identity theft and advance fee fraud, as well as alerts about the latest scams in London. 
• UK Payments Administration
  The UK payments association and its website contains information about the major types of payment fraud. 
• Card Watch 
  Contains useful information about card fraud for consumers and businesses. 
• Be Card Smart Online 
  Packed with tips for protecting yourself against online card fraud, this site is specifically designed for online shoppers. 
• CIFAS Protective Registration 
  UK fraud prevention service CIFAS offers Protective Registration to people who have fallen victim to, or are at risk of, identity theft. This service flags your personal file, so that when CIFAS member companies like ours receive an application in your name, they'll conduct extra checks to ensure that the application is genuine.
• Central Bank of Ireland
  Useful information from the Central Bank of Ireland on avoiding scams and unauthorised activity.

Check these sites regularly to make sure that your browsers, operating systems and applications are up to date and install any patches that may be required.

Card Fraud

Protecting your cards

Credit card fraud is a wide-ranging term for theft and fraud committed using or involving a payment card, such as a credit card or debit card, as a fraudulent source of funds in a transaction. There are steps you can take to protect yourself from credit and debit card fraud.

If you are concerned about the security of your account, contact us.

Lost and stolen card fraud

This occurs when a lost or stolen card is used by a fraudster posing as you. Most lost and stolen card fraud occurs before you report the loss.

To protect yourself:

• Report any lost or stolen cards immediately 
• Use chip and PIN cards where possible
• Only carry the cards you need 
• Avoid placing cards in your pockets, where they can easily fall out
• Make sure that your cards fit snugly inside your wallet or purse 
• Take precautions to avoid your card being stolen - for example, don't leave your handbag unattended or carry your wallet in your back pocket
• Always shield your PIN from any observers when using cash machines