Online fraud

Managing your account online is generally very safe. However, you need to take some simple precautions.

Hoax emails claiming to be from Barclaycard

This is known as phishing, because fraudsters don’t actually have your details – they’re ‘phishing’ for them. They send an email pretending there’s a problem with your account, or that your account has been suspended, or something similar. Then they ask you to put your security details into their form.

There’s a really simple check that you can do – look at the address bar at the top of the page. If it doesn’t begin https:// or www.barclaycard.co.uk then it’s not genuine and leave the page immediately.

Hoax retailer requests

When you buy or pay for something online, you might be asked to set up an account, or provide some information that they don’t have on your Barclaycard.

There are two ways round this. You can check that they are part of the ‘Verified by Visa’ or ‘MasterCard Secure Code’ schemes, or you can pay through a third party, such as Paypal or Googlecheckout.

You can find out more at Barclaycard Secure.

I think I’ve already been hoaxed – what do I do?

• Call us as soon as possible on 01604 230230 (call charges information) . We’re here to help, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your Barclaycard will be blocked immediately to stop the fraudsters doing anything, or anything more if you’re too late.
• Check your statements for anything suspicious – if you see something, call us on 0844 811 9111 (call charges information)

Staying safe online

Know who you’re dealing with

• Make sure you only log in to your online account by typing www.barclaycard.co.uk/mybarclaycard
• If there’s anything you’re not happy about, call us on 0844 811 9111 (call charges information) and we’ll help
• Remember - we will NEVER ask for your password or other secure information in an email.

Keep your personal information safe

• Never reveal your password or PIN to anyone, even if they claim they’re from Barclaycard, or Barclays or the police – you’ll never be asked for your PIN and if you are asked for your password, you’ll only be asked for part of it (the first and last letters, for instance)
• Be very wary about giving your personal details or card numbers to anyone you don’t know
• If you get an email claiming to be from us, and it gives you a number to ring, you can always call 0844 811 9111 (call charges information) first, just to make sure.

Keep your PC secure

• Always keep your anti-virus and anti-spying software up to date
• A personal firewall can also help to prevent viruses and fraudsters from accessing your personal details
• If you use a Microsoft operating system such as Windows Vista, download the Microsoft updates only from the official Microsoft website
• Be extra careful if you’re using someone else’s PC, such as work, or college, or an internet café.

Check this page regularly

• You can find advice on internet security here
• Check here regularly for the latest information about protecting yourself and your PC
• Before you enter any information, make sure you’re on the genuine Barclaycard website:
• You should be able to see a locked padlock or unbroken key in the bottom right of your browser window
• You can check the Security Certificate is genuine by double clicking on the padlock
• And the secure address should start with https://.

Check your statement

• If you spot anything you’re not sure about, call us immediately on 0844 811 9111 (call charges information).

Always log out properly

• When you’re on mybarclaycard or any other secure website, don’t just close your browser window, always click ‘Log out’ – this is especially important if you’re using a shared computer
• Never leave your computer unattended when you’re logged in to your account.

Look after your password

• Remember it – don’t write it down anywhere and if we sent it you, destroy what we sent (if you’re deleting an email we sent to your computer, make sure you empty the trash to delete the email from your system, too)
• Always do everything you can to keep your password and other security information secret
• If you choose your password yourself, change it to something that can’t easily be guessed – for example, mix up letters and numbers together, like D3nN1s, or 4c0uSt1c or c4m3R4.