How to protect yourself
Take control of your account security
Security is a team effort. Learn how to strengthen your defence, question the unexpected when you suspect a scam, the simple dos and don’ts when it comes to security, and what to expect when we get in touch.
Scam alert
⚠ Investment scams using social media and WhatsApp are on the rise. Learn how to protect yourself from investment scams.
Be aware
Being in the know is the first line of defence. Keep up to date with the latest scams so you can recognise warning signs before they become a threat.
Be educated
Understanding how scams work can help you make more confident, informed decisions. Build simple security habits to help protect yourself and stay in control.
Be vigilant
Stay alert and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t seem right with your ii account, let us know straight away.
Ways to strengthen your account security
As our lives move increasingly online, scammers have more ways to target people.
Scams may differ in what they look like or how they work, but they usually share the same goal: to pressure you into sharing information or sending money.
Here are 3 things you can do now to strengthen your online defences.
Use a strong password
Create a strong, unique password using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. A password manager tool can help you store your passwords safely, so you don’t need to remember them. Remember to use different passwords for each of your accounts and to change them regularly.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Boost your login security even more by adding your mobile number so we can send a one-time SMS code when extra verification is needed. Using our app? You can turn on biometrics to use your phone’s fingerprint scanner or facial recognition.
Protect your devices
It’s important to keep your devices and browsers up to date so they can protect you against the latest threats with built in protection. Turn on automatic updates where you can to make sure you’re always on the latest version.
Dealing with unexpected contact
Scammers rely on rushed decisions and small mistakes. Take a moment to stop, check your instincts, clarify what they're asking for, and verify the evidence. Thinking things through can help you stay in control of the situation.
Check how it feels
- Am I being rushed into an important decision?
- Have I had time to consider my options?
- Do I understand this well enough to ask for a second opinion?
- Am I being being pressured to keep this secret?
Check what they're asking for
- What is the risk of taking a moment to check?
- Am I being asked for sensitive information they should already have?
- Do I know exactly where my money is going?
- Do I fully understand the risks and benefits of what I am being asked to do?
Check the details
- Am I being asked to click a link or download a file I wasn't expecting?
- Does the tone sound normal for this company or person?
- Do I recognise these contact details?
- Do the name and contact details match those on the official website?
- Can I verify the request through an official channel or trusted source?
Protecting your account: dos and don’ts
Small habits that make a big difference to your online safety.
Do
| ✔ | Check your account regularly for anything unusual |
| ✔ | Protect your identity and keep your personal details private |
| ✔ | Hang up and call back using a verified number if you're suspicious |
| ✔ | Lock your devices when not in use |
| ✔ | Use biometrics or a passcode to secure your devices |
| ✔ | Use a secure connection and VPNs when you're on public Wi-Fi |
| ✔ | Use antivirus software and firewalls for extra protection |
| ✔ | Only download apps from official app stores |
Don’t
| ✗ | Don't open emails that look suspicious |
| ✗ | Don't click on links from senders you don't trust |
| ✗ | Don't share your log-in details |
| ✗ | Don't share your personal information publicly online |
| ✗ | Don't act on unsolicited advice without checking it first |
| ✗ | Don't let anyone pressure you into acting quickly |
| ✗ | Don't be afraid to ask questions |
| ✗ | Don't stay on a call or continue a conversation if doesn't feel right |
What to expect when we get in touch
When you speak to us, we’ll be respectful of your concerns and support you if something doesn’t feel right. We’ll never pressure you to act on something you’re uncomfortable with or don’t understand.
We use Secure Messaging to help keep your information private, this is the most secure way to contact us. If we need documents or information from you, we’ll ask you to send them by Secure Message.
Always check the contact details you have for us are up to date before contacting us. If you need us to contact you by email, get in touch and let us know why so we can do this securely.
Our social media
You might get a reply from us, but we'll never get in touch with you through social media. If in doubt, check our social media account details:
X: @ii_couk
Tiktok: @interactiveinvestoruk
Linkedin: interactive investor
Facebook: interactive investor
We will always
- Be happy for you to call us back on 0345 607 6001
- Ask security questions to verify your identity
- Offer to send a secure message if you don’t want to continue the call
We will never
- Email you asking you to log in through an unfamiliar or suspicious link. If you receive an unexpected message asking you to access your ii account, go directly to the ii website or app instead
- Ask for your password
- Call from a number other than 0345 607 6001
- Give bank details that are not stated on our website
- Give unsolicited financial advice
- Pressure you into sending money on the call
- Share your account information if you do not pass security checks
⚠ Not sure who's contacting you?
If you feel like the person you're speaking to may not be from ii, stop your communication immediately and call us on 0345 607 6001 as soon as you can.
Account security FAQs
A Secure Message is a message you send to ii through your account. You can use it to contact us securely about your account and ask for help.
You can send a Secure Message via the website or if you're using our app, go to Profile > Secure messages > Compose a new message.
2FA is an extra security step when you log in. As well as your user ID and password, you’ll be asked for a one-time code sent to your registered mobile number.
In most cases, you’ll only need the code when you first log in. After that, we use background checks to help make logging in quicker. If something changes, we may ask you to confirm it’s you again.
This helps protect your account from unauthorised access.
Yes. You can still use your online account, although some changes will need an extra security check.
For example, if you want to update your personal details or nominated bank account, contact our Customer Support team by phone. They can verify your identity and make the change for you.
We will issue a recovery code to you when you first go through the two-factor authentication process or register a new mobile phone. This is a one-time use code that you should store safely. This code will allow you to access your account as an alternative method to receiving a SMS message.
If you no longer have access to the registered mobile and you have lost the recovery code, you will need to contact our Customer Support team so that we can help you regain access to the account.
More support to help you stay safe
Citizens advice
Think you’re being scammed? Citizens Advice offers an online tool to help you check if it’s is a scam. They can also give you advice on what to do next.
Take Five To Stop Fraud
Take Five to Stop Fraud offers straight-forward advice to help everyone in the UK protect themselves against financial fraud.
FCA Firm Checker
It’s hard to know if an investment or pension opportunity is legitimate. You can use the FCA Firm Checker to find out if the firm or person you’re dealing with is authorised.
Get Safe Online
Want to get on top of online safety? Get Safe Online is the UK’s leading internet safety website who provides unbiased, factual and easy-to-understand information about online safety.
Worried about a scam or suspicious contact?
If you’re worried your account may be compromised, let us know straight away. If you think you’ve been scammed, report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or on their website.