Protect yourself from prying eyes

Not every criminal is online. Some simply watch. They glance over your shoulder at a cash machine, film your phone passcode on a bus, or go through your post. Here's how to keep your details to yourself.

At cash machines

• Cover the keypad with your other hand or your purse every time you enter your PIN, even if no one seems to be around. Hidden cameras are sometimes used.
• Check the machine before you use it. Look for anything stuck on, loose or out of place around the card slot, keypad or above the screen. If something looks wrong, don't use it and tell the bank or shop.
• Be aware of people close behind you, and of anyone offering "help" if your card gets stuck. That's a classic trick to watch your PIN. Never accept help from strangers.
• Choose machines inside banks or shops where possible, especially after dark.
• Put your cash and card away before you walk away, and stay alert to distractions such as someone dropping coins or asking a question.
• If your card is kept by the machine, call your bank straight away on 159 from where you're standing.

At shops and checkouts

• Use contactless or your phone wallet where you can. There's no PIN for anyone to see.
• Shield the card machine when you type your PIN. Don't let staff or anyone else take your card out of sight.
• Never write your PIN down or keep it with your card.

Your phone in public

Phone thieves watch people type their passcode, then snatch the phone. With your passcode, they can open banking apps, approve payments and lock you out of your own accounts.

• Use face or fingerprint unlock in public so you're not typing your passcode where people can see. When you do type it, shield the screen.
• Use a longer passcode: six digits or more, never your birthday or 123456.
• Turn on stolen device protection. On iPhone it's called Stolen Device Protection (Settings › Face ID & Passcode). On Android, look for Theft protection in Google settings. These ask for your face or fingerprint before sensitive changes.
• Give your banking app its own PIN or biometric lock, different from your phone passcode.
• Keep your phone away from the kerb and be aware of people on bikes or scooters. Avoid using it right outside stations or on busy pavements.
• Hide notification previews on the lock screen so codes don't appear for anyone to read.
• On trains and in cafés, sit with your back to a wall when banking, or wait until you're home. A privacy screen filter for your laptop or phone stops sideways glances.

Your post and your bin

Bank statements, letters and old cards can give criminals everything they need to impersonate you.

• Shred or tear up statements, letters with account numbers, and receipts before throwing them away. Cut old cards through the chip and the magnetic strip.
• Switch to paperless statements in your banking app.
• If expected post like a new card doesn't arrive, tell your bank. If you live in a shared building, consider a lockable letterbox.
• When you move house, use Royal Mail's redirection service and update your address with your bank promptly.

Online: what you share

Criminals piece together details from social media to guess passwords, answer security questions, or make a scam call sound convincing.

• Don't post your date of birth, home address, pet's or mother's maiden name, or the school you went to. These are common security answers.
• Don't share photos of boarding passes, tickets, cards, ID or your new house keys.
• Set social media profiles to private and review who can see your posts and friends list.
• Post holiday photos after you get back, not while your home is empty.
• Be wary of quizzes like "your rapper name is your first pet plus your street". They're harvesting answers.

Last reviewed: October 2026