Stay safe online and protect your personal information | Tenant news

Many of us use the internet every day to keep in touch with family and friends, shop online or chat in community groups.

While most people use the internet responsibly, scammers and criminals are always looking for ways to get hold of personal information.

Taking a few precautions can help protect your accounts, your identity and your privacy.

Think before you share

It's easy to forget just how much information we post online. Photos, comments and social media updates can all reveal more than you intended.

Before sharing a photo, check what's in the background. House numbers, street names, car registration plates or work ID badges can all give away personal details. It's also best to avoid posting that you're away from home until you've returned.

Take a few minutes to review your social media privacy settings too. Keeping your accounts private means only people you approve can see what you post.

Keep your accounts secure

Strong passwords are one of the best ways to protect yourself online. Use a different password for each account so if one account is hacked, your other accounts remain secure.

If possible, switch on two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security by asking for a code sent to your phone or email before anyone can log in.

It's also worth keeping your devices and apps up to date, as software updates often include important security fixes.

Watch out for scams

Be cautious of unexpected emails, texts or messages asking for personal or financial information, even if they appear to come from someone you know.

Think carefully before clicking links or downloading attachments from organisations such as your bank, your GP or the UK Government. If something doesn't feel right, contact the organisation directly using details you know are genuine rather than replying to the message.

Remember that your bank, the NHS, the UK Government and housing associations will never ask you to share passwords or security codes.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you think one of your online accounts has been hacked, change your password as soon as possible.

If you've shared personal or financial information with a scammer, contact your bank immediately. You should also report suspicious messages to the website, app or organisation involved.

You can report fraud or attempted fraud at Report Fraud or call them on 0300 123 2040. You can also report suspicious emails, websites and phishing attempts through GOV.UK .

Remember, if you are in immediate danger, a crime is happening right now or someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, contact the Police straight away by dialling 999.

For more information on scams, you can also visit the Citizen’s Advice website.

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