You’ve received a phone call, text or email asking for your personal or financial information. What do you do?

Before you act, stop. Take a minute, and think about what to do next.

Some requests for this information are legitimate, but sometimes they’re from people who aren’t who they say they are. Here are a few ways you can help protect yourself online.

Key tips on how to protect yourself

1. Be absolutely certain who you're speaking to

   A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your PIN, full password or to move money to another account. Only give out your personal financial details to use a service that you have given your consent to, that you trust and that you are expecting to be contacted by. Before you share anything with anyone, stop. Then pause to consider what you're being asked for and question why they need it. Unless you're 100% sure who you're talking to, don't disclose any personal or financial details.

2. Don’t assume an email, text or phone call is authentic

   It might seem like someone knows your basic details, like name or date of birth, but even that doesn’t mean they’re genuine. Fraudsters might try and win your trust by claiming you've been a victim of fraud. This is to try and 'shock' you into talking, so you might give your security details to them.

3. Don’t let anyone rush or pressure you into a decision

   You'll never have a genuine bank or trusted organisation pushing you into a decision. They'll never force you to move money, or make financial transactions on the spot. If you're ever asked to move money to another account, especially if it's 'due to fraud’, stop and think about what they're asking you.

4. Listen to your instincts

   Does a situation just feel wrong or strange, and you don't know why? If so, it’s usually right to question it. Fraudsters will try to lull you into a false sense of security, and catch you off guard - whether you're at home or out and about. If you feel like this person isn't who they appear to be, question it. It's better to be safe than sorry.

5. Stay in control

   Confidence is key here. It's always okay to stop a conversation if you don't feel comfortable, and you can always refuse requests for personal or financial information.