How can I protect my device and personal information from fraud and identity theft?

Fraudulent activity using mobile devices can result in financial loss, negative credit ratings and emotional stress.

ALDI Mobile take customer privacy seriously and we are continually reviewing our processes to ensure we are doing all we can to protect you from this type of malicious activity.

Here are some suggestions on some steps you can take to protect your identity and assets:

  1. Set up a phone PIN with us known only to you so we can quickly identify you when you call. Make sure the PIN cannot be easily linked to you or guessed by a third party.
  2. Use a passcode lock on your handset to prevent anyone else from being able to use your device and set it to auto-lock.
  3. Don;t store any PIN numbers, online passwords, access codes or similar on your device.
  4. Check your social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to ensure your mobile number is hidden from public viewing (remember to check resumes and work documents that are available online). Also, find out if your mobile number is listed online anywhere and have it taken down. You can do this by Googling your mobile number.
  5. Remove your birthdate from public view on social media. A scammer can work out your birthdate from photos of birthday celebrations, or a happy birthday message from a friend.
  6. Consider making up information for security questions; make up a best friend’s name or mother’s maiden name, first pet’s name. Remember a scammer can work out your birthdate from photos of birthday celebrations, or a happy birthday message from a friend. A scammer could also be someone known to you or known by someone close to you.
  7. Create strong passwords for all your online accounts and use different passwords for different accounts. If you have lots of online accounts, consider using a password manager. Do not share logon credentials and regularly change passwords.
  8. Wherever possible, use two step verification to login to your online accounts. Two step verification is when you are sent a verification code that needs to be entered before you can login to an account. The code is usually sent to a mobile number or email address.
  9. Scammers can gain personal information about you by stealing your physical mail so make sure you have a lock on your letter box and keep your home address offline. You can Google your address alongside your name to see if it is listed anywhere.
  10. Be security conscious on Facebook and online generally. Do not list your family’s names online anywhere; if you have connected them in your Facebook profile hide or delete these links. Hide your friends list from public view. If a scammer can see your friends list, they can then copy your Facebook profile to impersonate you, and then approach them using a fake profile. Carefully consider accepting a friend request from someone you don’t know and don’t accept an invite from someone you are already friends with on Facebook as it may be a fake profile.
  11. If you receive an unsolicited phone call and you’re unsure that the person is legitimate, obtain the callers full name and position then hang up and ring the company using their official contact details. Be wary of sharing sensitive information when answering an unsolicited call, email or message.
  12. Refrain from sharing personal, credit card and banking details via email and over the phone unless with a trusted source.
  13. Never respond to requests for personal or financial information in an unexpected email or pop up. If in doubt, call the organisation using the official contact details.
  14. Carefully check bank and credit card statements for unauthorised transactions.
  15. Consider setting up a credit file alert with a credit reporting agency.
  16. Install anti-virus software on your computer, tablet and smartphone to ensure your devices are protected from hackers. Regularly run anti-virus scans. Ensure that the software for your anti-virus and operating system are up to date.
  17. Use a spam filter to help block unsolicited email.
  18. Never return missed calls from an unknown number if a message hasn’t been left.
  19. If you receive recorded messages seeking money, advising that an arrest warrant has been issued against you or if it’s in a foreign language, do not return the call. Contact the organisation directly using their official contact details.
  20. Consider blocking numbers on your handset if you’re receiving unsolicited calls repeatedly from them.