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You already need a password to log on to your computer, a different one to access your webmail; and now you need a PIN to do your weekly shop. Like most of us, you’re probably fed up remembering all these passwords and numbers, so try these tips for choosing and remembering your PIN. Not only will it prevent you from being a victim of fraud, using and remembering your PIN will mean you’ll never have to leave your groceries at the checkout again.

• If you don’t like the PIN that has been automatically selected for you when you receive your card, go to a cash machine and change it. You’ll obviously need the existing PIN to access the account, but select the “Change PIN” option to pick a more memorable one.
  It’s tempting to use numbers which are simple, like four digits of your phone number or part of your birth date, but if you do, you’re just playing into the fraudsters’ hands. You should also avoid obvious sequences like 7654 and 1234 (most cards won’t actually allow these anyway).
• Random numbers are the most secure, but combining numbers which have some relevance to you is a good way of remembering your PIN. Try using someone else’s birthday, the date you moved into your flat, a time of day that is relevant to you eg 07.35 or whatever time you set your alarm, an old car registration or a memorable score from a sports match.
• If you’re a visual person, picture the pattern the numbers make on the keypad instead of the numerals. Alternatively, break the four-digit PIN down into two sets of numbers instead. For example, combine a family member’s age with your favourite football player’s shirt number.
  If words are easier to remember than numbers, use your mobile phone keypad to spell out a memorable four-letter word (no, not that one) using predictive texting and use the corresponding numbers. For example, work would be 9675.
• If you do forget your PIN, don’t panic and start pressing the keypad like a maniac. You’ve got three chances to remember before the card is locked so breathe, think and re-type. If you really can’t remember, just ring your card company for assistance or if you do remember it later, you can unlock it on your own at a UK cash machine.
• And whatever you do, don’t write your PIN down anywhere (and especially not on a piece of paper that you keep in your purse or wallet). No one, not even your bank, will ask you to reveal your PIN (except on a keypad when you’re paying for goods) so if anyone does, be wary and refuse.