Tips on how to protect yourself from online fraud

Passwords & Authentication

• To help protect your NEXT account you can now set up 2-factor authentication (2FA). This will provide an additional layer of security to your account requiring more than just a password to login. For further details and how to activate,
  scan the QR below.

A verification code is sent via sms, this feature allows you to set up 2FA to:
Authenticate every time you log on OR only authenticate each time you log in using a different device.

• Change your passwords and pins frequently.
• Do not use the same password on different accounts.
• Use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols when creating a password such a ‘F1shD0gCh41r’.
• Create a memorable password that’s also hard for someone else to guess,
  you can combine 3 words together for example (fishdogchair).
• Avoid using predictable passwords like, your name, your family’s name,pet names and dates such as your date of birth.
• You can also use a stand alone password manager app to help you create and safely store your passwords.
• If you think your password has been stolen you can use the website
  www.haveibeenpwned.com to check if your information has ever been
  made public in a major data breach.

Be aware of scams

• Remember the saying ‘If something seems too good to be true, it probably is’.
• Do not give out any personal information to companies or individuals over the
  phone if they have called you before verifying who they are. If in doubt you can
  always call them back using a registered number from their website.
• ‘Phishing’ is the most common technique used to capture your details.
  It is where a fraudster sends an email or sms that looks authentic, asking
  you to key in your information (e.g. account number and/or password).
• SMS ‘missed delivery/parcels’ messages are a popular form of scam. These messages will often contain links to what appear to be ‘official’ delivery/parcel-tracking apps or websites. If a website URL is opened or an app installed, this malware could attempt to steal your personal information including passwords. You can visit the National Cyber Security Centre website for more guidance on this.
• Next will never ask you to key your email and password unless you are logging into your account online.

Report it

• If you believe you have been a victim of fraud you should report it immediately.
  You can contact Action Fraud (see overleaf for contact details) to report fraud
  and find help and support.
• Contact your bank, or the payment provider if you notice any unusual activity.
• If you have not received your normal statements, contact the company.
• If you receive an email about a change in your account details or for an order
  you have not requested contact the company in question
• If your cards have been lost or stolen, cancel them immediately.

Protecting your personal details

• Shred or destroy all unwanted personal documents that hold your personal
  data, such as utility bills, statements and marketing mailing.
• Secure all your personal documents/information such as passports, driver’s
  licence, birth certificates and statements.
• Check your credit file to see if any unauthorised applications have been created without your consent.
• Check your credit/debit card/Store accounts regularly for any unusual activity.
• If you are going to or recently have moved, request your mail to be redirected
  (this service is only available for mail sent via Royal Mail).
• Close all inactive accounts. You can also request to be removed from
  marketing mailing lists.

Expert support (Full list of contact details found below)

• Registering your details on CIFAS. CIFAS is the UK’s Leading fraud
  prevention database. They are a non profit organisation and serve their
  members by facilitating the sharing of fraud risk data to reduce the exposure
  to fraud and financial crime. CIFAS also offers individuals protection
  against identity fraud.
• There are well established companies such as Equifax, Experian and Transunion who can alert you to activity that may indicate attempted fraud using your name, as part of an application for credit.
• The National Cyber Security Centre is a useful tool to use. The website provides you all the advice and guidance you will need to protect yourself from online fraud, and what to do if you have been a victim of fraud.
• For extra protection you can often register through your card provider for
  additional levels of security such as a ‘verified by visa’ ‘mastercard securecode’
  and ‘Amex SafeKey’. All future transactions will require you to verify your identity.

Call charges apply for more information on call charges please seek advice from your phone provider