PERSONAL security, especially electronic, is becoming more and more important. As we rely on plastic cards, internet banking and other methods to streamline our way of life, we are exposing ourselves to many potential risks.
Online fraud is something we've all heard of, and probably thought 'it will never happen to me'. But scarily it's on the increase.
Changing your passwords and PIN is a good way of starting to protect yourself but the easiest and most important way to protect yourself, funds and identity is to ensure the security on your personal computer is up to date.
Most forms of internet banking security breaches occur via an individual's PC being compromised. Ensure you regularly update your security software to avoid this.
There are new viruses being created all the time, so be aware that even though you were safe yesterday, today can be a different story.
Never give out unnecessary details. If you're completing a survey about what make of car you drive and you're asked for your mobile phone number and the provider, don't answer. Why would someone need to know this if the survey is about what car you drive?
Never disclose your account details, date of birth or any personal detail to a survey or email claiming to be from your bank. Your bank already knows this information and would never ask for it to be confirmed via email.
Never give your tax file number (TFN) to anyone who doesn't need it. A TFN can allow people to steal your identity which creates a raft of problems for you now and well into the future. Not only will it be a nightmare to correct in the future, in the meantime you may find it impossible to obtain a credit card, mobile phone or a loan - anything that needs to reference your credit check.
We need to be smarter than the people who are behind the crime syndicates. They often pray on the vulnerable and less educated about such issues but are getting smarter and attempting to scam everyone.
Never let your credit card out of your sight. At a restaurant, never let your waiter or waitress take the card away to swipe it. They may have an illegal machine which takes the information from the magnetic strip. This information is then used to create a counterfeit card and can be used to buy goods on your account.
Time is of the essence if you discover unusual activity in your bank account.
Notify your bank immediately if you notice any transactions on your account that you have not authorised.
And above all, be alert - simply paying attention could prevent all sorts of things happening.
*Sara Morrison is business development manager at South West Credit.
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