Seven ways to guarantee you can keep your finances strictly to yourself

PROTECT your computer with antivirus software and use passwords that are not easy for someone in possession of your basic details to guess. Visit the website cyberstreetwise.com for more tips.

CHECK your credit record using Experian, Equifax or Callcredit. It will show a history of your borrowing and you can also spot any credit searches or applications that are not yours. Scrutinise bank statements too for any suspicious transactions.

OPT out of unsolicited phone calls with the Telephone Preference Service. Firms abiding by the rules will not call people on this register. Visit tpsonline.org.uk. The sister register for post, the Mail Preference Service, is at mpsonline.org.uk.

CONTACT your local Electoral Registration Office to opt out of the ‘open register’, also known as the ‘edited register’. This is a version of the electoral register which holds names and addresses, but can be bought by anyone.

LOOK for the AdChoices icon if you are irritated by the adverts targeting you online. This will show you which firms are using this type of advertising and gives you the choice to opt out of it.

BE CAREFUL about what information you share online. Adam Powell of Policy Expert, an online insurance broker, says: ‘Ensuring that your social media privacy settings are up to date and secure is a simple step to minimise risk.’

REFER complaints about misuse of personal or sensitive data to the Financial Ombudsman Service if they are dismissed by a financial firm. It can mediate. Call 0800 023 4567 or visit financial-ombudsman.org.uk.