Tips on Account Security

We recognise the importance of security to our customers and while the Internet has enabled us to deliver innovative services, it has also focussed our attention on ensuring that access to those services is highly secure.

Please remember security is a process, not a product. Here are some useful tips from our experts on keeping your accounts secure and when using any of our online banking systems.

Account Security

  • Please make sure you let us know as soon as possible if the nature of your business changes or if you change your name; business name; address; phone number; or e-mail address (if this is how we communicate with you).
  • We recommend that you check your statement regularly. If there is an entry which seems to be wrong, you should tell us as soon as possible so that we can sort it out. Regular checks on direct debits and standing orders will help you be sure the money is going where you want it to.
  • Taking care of your cheques, cards, electronic purse, PINs, password and other security information is essential to help prevent fraud and protect your Accounts. Please make sure that you follow the advice given below:
  • Do not keep your chequebook and cards together.
  • Do not allow anyone else to use your card, and do not tell anyone else your PIN, password or other security information.
  • Your bank or building society will never ask you to tell them your PIN. If you are in any doubt about whether a caller is genuine, or if you are suspicious about them, take their details and call us.
  • If you change your PIN, you should choose your new PIN carefully.
  • Try to remember your PIN, password and other security information and securely destroy the notice as soon as you receive it.
  • Never write down or record your PIN, password or other security information.
  • Always take reasonable steps to keep your card safe and your PIN, password and other security information secret at all times.
  • If your card issuer takes part in a secure online payment system (such as Visa Secure or Mastercard® Identity Check), consider signing up either at their website or whenever you are given the option while shopping online. This involves you registering a password with your card company, which you will be asked whenever you shop at an online retailer taking part in the scheme. You should keep this password secret.
  • Never give your Account details or other security information to anyone unless you know who they are and why they need them.
  • Keep your card receipts and other information about your Account containing personal details (for example, statements) safe and get rid of them carefully.
  • Take care when storing or getting rid of information about your Accounts. People who commit fraud use many methods such as ‘bin raiding’ to get this type of information. You should take simple steps such as shredding printed material.
  • Be aware that your post is valuable information in the wrong hands. If you fail to receive a bank statement, card statement or any other expected financial information, contact your bank or building society.

Online Security

  • Keep your PC secure. Use up-to-date anti-virus and spyware software and a personal firewall.
  • Keep your Security Information and Security Device safe and secure.
  • Treat e-mails you receive from senders claiming to be from your bank or building society with caution and be wary of e-mails or calls asking you for any personal security details.
  • Always access internet banking sites by typing the bank or building society’s address into your web browser. Never go to a website from a link in an e-mail and then enter personal details.

For further information on how to stay safe online please visit:

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