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Simple steps to help protect yourself from online fraud
Practical tips to secure your accounts, spot scams, and stay in control online.
February 25, 2026
Fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to try and access personal and financial information. From fake websites that mimic real ones, to emails that trick you into handing over your details, their tactics are becoming more sophisticated.
The good news is that by taking a few simple precautions, you can make it much harder for them to succeed. Here are some practical steps you can take today to help keep your information, and your money, safe.
1. Strengthen your passwords
Passwords are often the first barrier between criminals and your accounts. Weak or reused passwords make it much easier for fraudsters to break in.
To reduce your risk:
- Choose long, unpredictable passwords that use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid anything that could be guessed easily, like names, birthdays or football teams.
- Use a different password for each account. That way, if one is compromised, the rest remain safe.
- Update your passwords if you suspect they’ve been exposed in a data breach, or if you’ve accidentally shared them.
You can also add an extra layer of protection by enabling biometric security features such as Face ID or fingerprint recognition. Even if someone gains access to your device, these features can help stop them from logging into individual apps, such as your banking app, without your approval.
2. Stay alert to phishing attempts
Not all fraud happens through websites. Criminals often try to trick people into giving away details directly, through emails, text messages or phone calls.
Common signs of a phishing attempt include:
- Messages that create a sense of urgency, asking you to act immediately.
- Requests for sensitive information such as PINs, passwords or one-time codes.
- Poor spelling, unusual formatting or unexpected links.
If you’re unsure, don’t click or respond. Contact the organisation directly using details from their official website.
3. Spot the signs of fake websites
Fraudsters also create websites that look almost identical to the real thing, in an attempt to trick you into entering your details.
Before you type in sensitive information, always take a moment to check:
- Does the web address start with https://? Some browsers also use a padlock symbol in the address bar to indicate secure sites.
- Are there any spelling mistakes, extra words, or unusual endings in the URL? Small changes can be easy to miss but may signal a fake site.
- Did you arrive there by clicking a link in an email or text? If so, it’s safer to type the address directly into your browser.
If something feels off, don’t take the risk – leave the site and check independently. This could mean searching for the company name using a search engine, typing in the web address you know is correct, or calling the organisation using contact details from a trusted source such as a bank statement.
4. Update and protect your devices
Your phone, tablet, and computer are gateways to your personal information. Outdated software can create gaps that criminals exploit. Regular updates to your operating system and apps often include important security fixes, so it’s best to install them promptly.
On top of that, consider using anti-virus software and a firewall. These add another line of defence, helping to block harmful downloads and monitor unwanted traffic.
5. Browse with care
Scammers often rely on people clicking before they think. Fraudulent adverts, pop-ups, and free downloads are common ways they try to install malicious software on your device.
To protect yourself:
- Be wary of adverts or offers that seem “too good to be true”. For example, deals on designer goods at a fraction of the price, investment opportunities promising unusually high returns, or messages claiming you’ve won a prize you never entered. These are common red flags of a scam.
- Watch out for messages or adverts that use urgency or threats of hardship to pressure you into acting quickly – such as limited-time offers, fake fines, or warnings that your account will be closed. Scammers often rely on panic to prompt impulsive clicks or purchases.
- Only download apps, files, or software from trusted sources such as official app stores.
- Don’t open attachments or links in unexpected emails or messages, even if they appear to come from someone you know. If you’re unsure whether an email you’ve received is genuinely from us, give our Customer Care Team a call using the official number from our website and we’ll be happy to help.
Why fraudsters want your data
Fraud isn’t only about stealing money directly. Criminals can use personal information to impersonate you, apply for credit in your name, or make phishing attempts more convincing.
By understanding how criminals operate – and taking steps to guard your information – you can make yourself a much harder target.
The bottom line
Online fraud is an unfortunate reality of the digital world, but it’s not inevitable. By building good habits – like creating strong, unique passwords, keeping your devices updated, and being cautious about where you browse and click – you can reduce your risk significantly.
Fraudsters rely on people letting their guard down. By staying alert and following these simple steps, you’ll be in a much stronger position to keep your personal information secure and enjoy the benefits of banking and shopping online with greater confidence.
Be vigilant and think SCAM
Our Stop, Check, Act, Monitor (SCAM) approach is designed to help you protect what’s yours. Read our article to learn more.
For more information on what you can do to protect yourself from fraud, visit our security centre.
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This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualised professional advice. Articles on this website were commissioned and approved by Marcus by Goldman Sachs®, but may not reflect the institutional opinions of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Goldman Sachs International Bank, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC or any of their affiliates, subsidiaries or divisions. Information and opinions expressed in this article are as of the date of this material only and subject to change without notice. This article is not a product of Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research. The information contained in this article does not constitute a recommendation from any Goldman Sachs entity to the recipient, and Goldman Sachs is not providing any financial, economic, legal, investment, accounting, or tax advice through this article or to its recipient. Neither Goldman Sachs nor any of its affiliates makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in this article and any liability therefore (including in respect of direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage) is expressly disclaimed.
| Savings interest rate (AER)(1) |
Savings Balance Before Paying Tax | |
| Basic rate taxpayer | Higher rate taxpayer |
|
|---|---|---|
| 1% | £100,000 | £50,000 |
| 2% | £50,000 | £25,000 |
| 3% | £33,333 | £16,667 |
| 4% | £25,000 | £12,500 |
| 5% | £20,000 | £10,000 |
The content in this article is for information only and is not advice. All content in this article was accurate on the date of publication shown above.
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