Staying Safe Online
If you’re experiencing family harm or leaving an unsafe relationship, looking after your digital safety is just as important as keeping yourself safe in person. Many people don’t realise how much information their phone, apps, or online accounts can reveal. Taking a few practical steps can help protect your privacy, your finances, and your personal information.
Keep Your Finances Safe
If someone has had access to your bank accounts, online banking, or cards, it’s important to take action quickly. Contact your bank and ask about restricting access, changing your login details, or logging out of all devices. Your bank can help you set up a new username and password so the other person can’t get in. Some people choose to open a new bank account so they don’t receive messages or transaction notifications that could be monitored.
If you have joint accounts (like power, insurance, phone plans, or bank accounts), talk to the provider about removing the other person or setting up accounts in your own name.
Protect Your Phone and Devices
Your phone holds a lot of personal information, so keeping it secure is essential. You can download a security app from the app store (McAfee is one option) to help protect against hacking or spyware. Make sure your phone and computer software are up to date, clear your browsing history regularly, and check for any apps you don’t recognise.
Changing or adding a strong password to your phone is another simple way to stay safe.
If someone is contacting you and you want it to stop, you can block their number:
iPhone: Tap the number → scroll down → select Block this Caller
Android: Tap the three dots in the top right → choose Block numbers
Protect Your Privacy and Location
Many apps track your location without you realising. You can turn this off:
Go to Settings → Privacy
Select Location Services (iPhone) or Location Access (Android)
Choose an app and turn Precise Location off
This helps stop someone from seeing where you are through shared apps, photos, or social media.
Social Media Safety
Social media can reveal more than you think. To stay safe:
Avoid posting anything that shows your location
Use strong passwords that aren’t easy to guess (avoid names, birthdays, pets)
Change your accounts to private
Update passwords regularly on apps like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Messenger, and email
Keep Your Address Private
You can take steps to keep your home address off public records:
NZTA.govt.nz: Opt out so your name and address don’t appear in vehicle searches
Elections.nz: Ask to go on the unpublished roll
If you move house, remember to update your address with your bank, doctor, school or preschool, and insurance providers.
Streaming & Gaming Accounts
Change your passwords on streaming platforms like Netflix or YouTube, and log out of all devices. If you game online, check your PlayStation or Xbox settings; you can block people from messaging you there too.
The Loft Can Help
The Loft is here to support you if you’re worried about your online safety or dealing with digital risks in an unsafe relationship. We can help you understand your options and connect you with the right services for extra support. If you’d like guidance or someone to talk things through with, contact us, and our team can help you take the next steps safely and confidently.