What Not to Share: Sensitive Data Basics

Prev Next

Why this matters

Some pieces of information are keys to your money and identity. Once a fraudster has them, they can access your account, impersonate you, or take payments. Knowing exactly what to keep private — and never hand over, no matter who asks — is a simple, powerful defence.

Never share these — with anyone

  • Your password. No legitimate company, including us, will ever ask for it.

  • One-time verification codes / OTPs. These are the final key to your account. Anyone asking for one is trying to get in.

  • Your card's PIN.

  • Full card number, expiry, and security code (CVV) — except when paying on a trusted, official site you opened yourself.

  • Crypto wallet recovery phrases or private keys. → See: Crypto Scams & Fake Platforms

  • Remote access to your device. Never install screen-sharing or remote-control apps at someone's request.

If anyone asks for these — by call, message, or email — it's a scam, full stop.

Share carefully and only when needed

  • ID and document details — only with verified, official services, through channels you opened yourself.

  • Address, date of birth, phone number — minimise where you post these publicly.

  • Account or transaction details — only through the official app or site.

Be mindful of what you post publicly

Fraudsters piece together public details to target you:

  • Birthdays and full names help with identity checks and impersonation.

  • Location check-ins and travel plans reveal when you're away.

  • Photos of documents, tickets, or cards can expose numbers and personal data.

  • Pet names, schools, family names are often answers to security questions.

  • Workplace details enable convincing work-related scams.

The less you broadcast, the harder you are to target. → See: Protecting Your Personal Data Online

The rule of thumb

Legitimate organisations ask you to prove your identity to them — never to reveal your secrets to them. A real bank confirms you're you; it never needs your password or code. If a request flips that around, it's fraud.

What to do if you shared something sensitive

  1. If you shared a password, change it immediately — and anywhere you reused it.

  2. If you shared a verification code, card details, or moved money, contact us right away through the 24/7 in-app support chat.

  3. If you shared a crypto recovery phrase, treat that wallet as compromised.

  4. If you granted remote access, remove the app and disconnect.

  5. Watch for follow-up scams and report what happened.

→ See: I Think I've Been Scammed: Immediate Steps