Security

Protecting yourself

Here are some key points to remember to ensure your Capital One account remains safe and secure:

• 'P' in PIN stands for 'Personal' - we will never ask for this when we speak to, or email you, so never provide it to anyone who asks for your PIN
• Know who's receiving your details - your financial details are only for those people you trust
• Passwords of steel - use secure passwords and don't use the same password on different websites
• Treat computers to a spa day - install, update and regularly run anti-virus software on your personal devices
• Delete odd looking emails - don't open attachments or click on links in emails from unknown senders and never give out your details if you have clicked on an email link

Lost or stolen card fraud

Don't know where your credit or debit card is? Is it lost or stolen? Someone could be trying to use it, posing as you so it's important to act quickly. Call your card issuer so they can turn off your card and send you a replacement.

Memorise your PIN

Don't write it down, that makes it too easy for others to find and use.

Do you need to carry all those cards?

If you carry cards that you don't use consider leaving them in a safe place at home, this reduces the risk of losing them and not realising.

Email security

Emails that ask for a reply or link to a website asking for personal information, like usernames, passwords and credit card details are probably trying to trick you in to giving up this information. This type of hoax is known as phishing, where emails look like they're from your bank or other trusted organisations such as social networking or auction sites.

3 common phishing scams

Threatening emails - don't give your personal information

Emails claiming your account will be closed unless you confirm personal information or update security details. These are not genuine emails from Capital One, Mastercard® or VISA

Money grows on tree - don't give your personal information

Emails that sound too good to be true, especially those that say you can make some easy money, probably are too good to be true. Even if they seem to be from someone you know, don't open these emails

Something's broken - don't give your personal information

Emails that suggest your account has been compromised or suspended and you have to re-confirm security details to verify that you're the account holder are probably fraudulent

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Recognise a genuine Capital One email

• We'll always quote the last 4 digits of your account number
• We'll never ask for personal details about you or your account
• We will never ask for your PIN

Regularly review your account for unauthorised transactions or changes you weren't expecting. If you think you've been tricked by a phishing email that looks like it is from Capital One forward it to us at ukecrime@capitalone.com

Device security

It's important to protect your smart mobile phone and computer from security threats, so you can minimise the risks and feel confident about internet banking and shopping. Here's some information about the threats and how to protect against them.

Mobile security

Today's mobile technology makes fraud easier, especially through mobile malicious software, also known as malware. This lets criminals take control by downloading software onto your mobile, normally by tricking you through hoax texts, fake mobile apps, or by hacking your mobile through unprotected wi-fi connections.

Keep your mobile infection free

If your phone is infected, fraudsters could make calls (e.g. to premium rate numbers), access internet banking, social networking and online shopping. In places with unsecure wi-fi, they could access personal information and even your cash. It's like a fraudster having your debit card and PIN, and you may not realise it until it's too late.

Make your phone useless to others

Locking mobile devices prevents access to any information you have stored in the event of you losing that device.

Don't feel blue

Turn off your bluetooth when you're not using it to stop unwanted messages that could contain malware.

Block premium calls and texts

By getting your phone company to block your phone from making premium calls and texts it stops potential criminals using it for this purpose, and means no accidental high costs by yourself.

Be app-aware

Ensure you trust the source of the app you're downloading and that you know it's not going to damage your device.

Computer Security

Keep the doctor away

Install anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your computer or laptop. This scans your computer to detect and remove software that can damage it. There are free and subscription-based services.

Phone and investment scams

Avoiding being conned on the phone

Fraudsters can call claiming to be a company you trust, asking for personal security information, or perhaps suggesting you download software from their site. They may even try to persuade you to hand over your credit card number or PIN. Examples we've heard include the fraudster saying you card needs to be returned, and that a courier will pick it up, with your PIN. Capital One would never do this.

Investment scams - too good to be true

There are businesses who use high-pressure sales to sell 'guaranteed' investments promising huge returns. These so-called 'investments' are worthless, over-valued or fictional stock in unquoted companies. These investments can often look and sound legitimate. They can mention companies you've heard of, register a UK address or phone numbers and create convincing websites. If they think there's any chance of a sale, they will persist, for months if necessary, and have caught out even seasoned investors. According to the FCA, investment scam victims lose on average £20,000. The bottom line is that if an opportunity sounds too good to be true, then it certainly is.

Report scams

If you're targeted:

Contact the FCA  opens in a new tab