If you believe you have become a victim of fraud contact us immediately on:
0845 850 0059
Glossary
Adware
Short for 'advertising-supported software', adware is software that displays advertisements. 'Free' software sometimes conceals the fact that it carries advertising - it may even install a separate adware program on your computer without telling you. For this reason, it's a good idea to be wary of free software, unless you are confident that the software provider is genuine.
Anti-virus software
Software which detects viruses and other threats to your computer. The program alerts you when it finds a problem, and either removes the problem from your computer or recommends further action.
Browser
A software program used to find and display web pages on the Internet. Examples of browser programs include Internet Explorer, Firefox and (for Macs) Safari.
Cookies
Small pieces of information which are placed onto your computers hard disk by a website you have visited.
Dialog Box
A small window which appears on screen, usually prompting you to respond.
Encryption
Scrambling data so that personal information, for example, can't be seen by anyone else as it travels between your computer and a secure website.
Firewall
A program which protects your computer from unauthorised access by third parties over the Internet.
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
The company who supplies you with your Internet connection, for example BT Openworld,Tiscali, Blueyonder.
Malware
Shortened from 'malicious software', malware is a generic term used to describe software intended to cause damage or disruption to a computer, or to do something not in the interest of the person using it. Examples of malware include viruses and trojans.
Operating system
The underlying program, such as Microsoft Windows XP, that enables your computer to run software applications, such as e-mail and browser programs.
Patch
An update to a program or operating system, which is needed to correct a problem (often a security issue) overlooked at the time the program was released. Sometimes called a 'fix'.
Phishing
Phishing is an e-mail scam which tries to get you to provide your personal sign-in details, so that fraudsters can gain access to your accounts. Remember, Birmingham Midshires will never ask you to confirm your secure information in an e-mail.
Spam
Unwanted e-mails, usually offering dubious products and services. Various types of anti-spam software are available, but the first line of defence may be your own Internet Service Provider - many offer spam-filtering services.
Security certificate
Security certificates are issued to secure websites to allow them to prove they are genuine.To view a security certificate, doubleclick on the yellow padlock icon at the bottom right of your browser window.This allows you to check that you’re on a genuine online banking site, and not a 'spoof' website.
Spyware
Spyware is software, usually installed without your consent, that communicates personal or confidential information about you to a third party. The information may contain reports on your websurfing habits, collected for market research purposes, or more sensitive information, such as credit card numbers.
SSL
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a way of encrypting (scrambling) information, such as bank account details, as it is passed from a web browser to a web server. A web address beginning with https: shows that SSL is being used, so the website is secure. A security certificate allows you to check the credentials of the secure site.
Trojan
A malicious program that may pretend to be innocent (or be invisible altogether), but does something you don't expect, like sending confidential information to somebody else's computer.
Virus
A malicious program which is intended to damage your computer.
Bank Safe Online
For more advice and a step by step guide to staying safe online visit www.banksafeonline.org.uk a website launched by APACS the UK payment association working on behalf of the banking industry.
Calls may be monitored and recorded for security and training purposes. Lines are open between 8.00am and 8.00pm, Monday to Saturday. 0845 numbers may not be available outside the UK. Calls from BT landlines to 0845 numbers will cost no more than 2p a minute plus a 7p connection fee. The price of calls through other phone companies and from mobile phones will be different. The call price we have quoted is correct as at today's date.
