How to stop the financial details stored on your mobile phone becoming a goldmine for thieves

MOBILE PHONE DATA RISK

Being deprived of your mobile phone when thieves strike may be bad enough, but victims sometimes lose much more than just their device.

A quarter (26%) of mobile theft victims also experienced fraudulent transactions, according to a new survey, with the average loss put at £2,711.

Around one in nine (11%) people say they have been targeted by thieves for their mobile phones in the past five years, research from money insights provider Intuit Credit Karma found.

With mobile phones often being the main way people carry out their routine financial admin, some devices could be a treasure trove for thieves.

By Vicky Shaw, PA Personal Finance Correspondent

MOBILE PHONE DATA RISK
Akansha Nath, general manager (international) at Intuit Credit Karma

More than four-fifths (82%) of smartphone users surveyed have at least one banking or financial app on their phone.

Nearly two-fifths (38%) admit to storing sensitive information on their device, such as passwords and pin codes.

In other phone security “faux pas”, a fifth (20%) have passwords and pin codes stored in the contacts section of their mobile phone, according to the survey by Opinium of 2,000 adults across the UK in March.

Despite crucial information being stored on phones, over a fifth (22%) of people claim that if they lost access to their phone, they wouldn’t know their online banking logins.

Akansha Nath, general manager (international) at Intuit Credit Karma, says: “Experiencing mobile phone theft is a distressing situation which can be exacerbated if the perpetrator then uses the phone to access sensitive financial information.

“Therefore, safeguarding any banking information stored on your phone is crucial. While preventing phone theft isn’t always possible, there are measures you can implement to secure your sensitive banking information in these unfortunate situations.”

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MOBILE PHONE DATA RISK

Here are Nath’s tips on how to keep financial information safe on your phone and stopping personal details becoming a goldmine for thieves:

1. Remember your passwords or add extra security

“It can be easy to just save your passwords to your ‘notes’ app, but it is also easy for a thief to access these notes when stealing your phone which then allows them to gain access to all of your online accounts, including your banking apps,” says Nath.

She suggests: “Try your best to remember your passwords and don’t keep them stored on your phone. If you struggle to remember these passwords consider using a reputable password manager application to securely store and manage your passwords.”

She adds: “Choose a password manager with features like two-factor authentication and strong encryption to enhance security further.”

2. Take care when using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Nath warns that hackers can exploit unsecured connections.

She suggests: “Stick to trusted networks and devices or use a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing sensitive information over public networks.”

3. Set up passcodes and biometric locks

“Always lock your phone with a passcode, pattern, or biometric authentication like fingerprint or facial recognition,” says Nath.

“This prevents unauthorised access to your device, reducing the risk of someone accessing your sensitive information if your phone is lost or stolen.”

4. Be mindful of your surroundings

Being aware of the physical situation you’re in – and the potential threats from your immediate location – can be as important as being mindful of the technology you’re using.

Nath says: “When using your phone in public, be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying it unnecessarily.

“Keep your phone securely in your pocket, bag, or hand, and refrain from leaving it unattended on tables or countertops. Being vigilant can deter opportunistic thieves and reduce the risk of your phone being snatched or grabbed by someone passing by.

“If you need to use your phone in a crowded area, try to find a safe and secluded spot away from prying eyes to minimise the chance of theft or unwanted access to your device.”

5. Monitor your credit

Keeping up-to-date with your credit reports can help you to spot if someone has tried to use your financial details fraudulently, perhaps by taking out a loan in your name.

Credit monitoring tools will send you notifications if there are any changes in how you have used your credit.

If you think your details have been compromised, or you spot a transaction on your account that doesn’t look right, tell your bank immediately, as well as the police.

In addition to Nath’s tips, it’s worth bearing in mind that many banks have also signed up to an anti-fraud phone call service.

If someone believes another person is trying to trick them into handing over money or personal details, they can hang up and call 159 to speak directly to their bank.

Those taking part in the 159 scheme include Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Co-operative Bank, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, Metro Bank, Monzo, Nationwide Building Society, NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander, Starling Bank, Tide, TSB and Ulster Bank.

To help keep your mobile safe, consumer group Which? also suggests making sure that devices are kept up-to-date with security patches for new vulnerabilities, and steering clear of out-of-date, unsupported mobiles.

Which? also suggests adding a unique pin to your sim card, registering for Google’s Find My Device or Apple’s Find My iPhone, and disabling preview notifications. These flash up messages even when your phone is locked.

Another simple tip from the consumer group is to try to keep bank cards separate from your phone – as the two combined could make it much easier for a thief to pass security checks. Many banks have options to immediately freeze cards in their apps.

Finally, don’t forget to check your social media as personal details on online profiles could also give thieves clues to your passwords or answers to security questions.

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These are the hottest colour combinations for your home this summer

By Yolanthe Fawehinmi, PA

Your home’s colour combinations can impact your mood, and help create a cohesive look with your decor.

But before transforming any plain white walls, there are a few things to consider: starting with is the room for eating, working or sleeping? And what ‘feel’ are you hoping to achieve with the space?

“Colour plays an inherent part in the human psyche,” says interior designer Ann Marie Cousins, owner of AMC Design. “We know that each use of colour will instil a feeling and emotion, and it’s important to channel that into our interiors for it to feel bespoke.

“Your colour story needs to develop throughout the house, both according to the function of the room and also the orientation of the room, and the temperament of the people who would use it the most.

“If it’s a small house, it is best to keep the palette consistent throughout and then add interest with colourful art and accessories,” she suggests. “On a larger project, there’s plenty of opportunity to be bold and really explore the personalities of those who live there with these new power hue combinations.”

So, what are the hottest colour combinations right now? Cousins shares everything you need to know…

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Blue and white

Blue and white is a classic colour combination which is seeing a return.

“There is no rule book as such about the emotional impact of blue and white, but the shade combination is important in terms of mood, and we find it’s personal to each client,” says Cousins. “Blue has a reputation that it evokes feelings of the cold, but it very much depends on the hue. Just think of the difference between the blue of the Aegean Sea versus the grey-blue of the North Sea.”

So, how do you know which blues to choose?

“Think about the mood you wish to create in your space. If you would like an elegant room, consider a rich navy with white panelling and flecks of mustard textiles to create a sophisticated and restful feel,” says Cousins. “However, if you prefer a more joyful and energetic scheme, opt for a light turquoise-like blue ground by F&B, paired with a soft white, like strong white, which will make you feel uplifted.

“When choosing the right shades for your walls or ceilings, always test the colour first. A blue with a slightly cold undertone can look almost grey in a north-facing room, and a white which lacks warmth will look flat and unwelcoming in the same room.

“Plan by buying samples of paint and wallpaper and placing them on the wall for at least two to three days before you commit,” she suggests. “Do remember you will need a disrupter colour to pull the scheme together. A dash of blush pink can add softness to your navy and white scheme, or a coral throw at the end of the bed can help to elevate and contrast effortlessly.”

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Nourishing greens

Bringing nature into our homes shows no signs of slowing down, either.

“We are taking that one step further this year by immersing ourselves in a natural setting and nature scaping with nourishing greens. The concept is to provide a calming and grounding atmosphere which recognises the positive impact of nature on human wellbeing,” says Cousins.

“One of the easiest ways to do this is to select your chosen green colour and combine it with a hue which falls opposite to the green in the colour wheel.

“Pinks, corals and peaches teamed with green replicate gardens in full bloom, and so we are likely to see this emerge as a breakout palette. Dip your toe in and choose green, biophilic wallpaper and coordinating pink textiles, or go bold and colour-drench the room in your chosen green – skirting, doors and all – then complement with a statement pink rug.”

Go for gold and jewels

Gold is associated with opulence and luxury, and Cousins says the use of gold gilding and gold leaf can really level up the drama in a space.

“A raft of celebrities have chosen to utilise metallics in their homes, so it’s no surprise it’s trending as people replicate the luxe look. When gold is applied in spaces such as bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens, it needs both a tether colour and also a paired neutral,” she says.

“The complementing hues for gold are jewel-like tones, so a deep teal or sapphire blue can look effortlessly chic, especially in a bedroom or cosy living room, or a gold backsplash in a kitchen set against a moody blue or dark green cabinet and a warm white works so well.”

Neutrals have had a 2024 makeover

Neutrals such as light grey, beige and creams are being replaced by strong earthy colour palettes or more statement versions.

“Richer versions, such as terracotta and rust, work in harmony with beige to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Warmer blush colours are also coming to the fore,” says Cousins.

“Little Greene and Dulux have some amazing pink variations such as ‘Masquerade’ and ‘Sweet Embrace ’ in their neutral palettes. With so many people gravitating to these warm blush or clay tones, the needle may be pushed further moving into deeper shades of purple over the next 12 months.”

Black and cream accompanied by orange

Cream is a staple colour for many designers – a neutral base that feels warmer than white, so is great for living rooms and bedrooms. However, Cousins believes that paired with black and flanked by a burnt orange, this combination can be transformational and lift a flat room in an instant.

“My favourite way to use this pairing is to pick a strong black and cream patterned fabric for curtains or wallpaper for a statement wall, and add a pop of bright orange on a bedhead, layering abstract cushions or accessories,” she says. “This is a perfect way to modernise a dated or Victorian property without having to renovate.”

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