
Top tips: how to protect yourself
To avoid becoming a victim of online crime you don’t need to be a computer expert. Developing a few good online habits drastically reduces your chances of becoming a victim of cybercrime, makes you less vulnerable and lets you use the web safely.

Protecting your data
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your data:

Get a CIFAS Protective Registration
A Protective Registration places a warning flag against your name and other personal details on a National Fraud Database. This tells any organisation that uses CIFAS data to pay special attention when your details are used to apply for a product or service. We will carry out further due diligence to ensure that all of the details listed on any applications here at Hodge match with the details listed on the protective registration, we may even call you to confirm that you have full knowledge of the application.

Dispose of unwanted cards and statements
Some fraudsters will rummage through rubbish bags looking for thrown out letters in order to obtain details for potential false applications. Keep your details safe by cutting up your old credit/debit cards with scissors, shredding your old and unwanted bank statements and utility bills.

Install Anti-Virus and Firewalls
In the unfortunate event that you’ve accidentally clicked on a link in a phishing email or you have access a website with malicious intent, your next line of defence is your Anti-Virus software. Some devices will already have this installed, if not, you can search for Anti-Virus Software from certified providers.

Don't share personal information
If you use social media, check the privacy settings so that personal data is protected. Make sure that you don’t share confidential information on social media such as your address or bank account information as this can often be viewed publicly. Take care when uploading photos to these sites too, for example, making sure your bank card or passport information cannot be seen. Remember that people will make a lot of effort to get hold of your information, so always be careful.

Set strong passwords
Never tell anybody your passwords, don’t write them down or store them somewhere that can be easily accessed, including on your phone. When creating a password, use a mix of upper and lower case letters, and include numbers and symbols. A passphrase is more secure than just a word. Try a memorable phrase like ‘ilovegoingonholiday’, but swap the letters around and add in numbers to make it harder to guess ‘1lov3go1ng0nHo1idaY!,’. We’ll never ask you to share your password with us. If you believe you’ve been a victim of fraud or hacking, please change the email address and all passwords linked to your Hodge account.

Browse securely
Ensure that you are using a secure Wi-Fi connection, ideally one that isn’t publicly accessible. Look out for the padlock symbol in your browser address bar, this confirms that your connection to the site is secure. The padlock confirms the connection is safe, but it doesn’t tell you if the website is genuine. Check for spelling and grammar mistakes, or other signs that suggest the site is not real. Phishing sites will often use similar looking characters to imitate genuine sites.







































Hodge provides £1.49m development finance facility to support property developer client


The property development and investment markets – how is 2024 shaping up?













Commercial Lending December blog – Reflections on 2023 and thoughts for 2024


Navigating sustainable property development: key insights and changes














We’re proud to announce we’ve joined forces with FIBA as its latest lender partner
















Hodge funds development of thirteen new homes in Llangefni, Anglesey











Hodge funds redevelopment of Barnet terrace property with St Mark’s Properties

Hodge provides £2.2m development loan to Fairview Homes Property Ltd



Hodge funds development of six new build houses in coastal town of Weymouth





Hodge funds development of 22 homes with regional housebuilder, Clayewater Homes
Hodge funds renovation of Bristol’s “The Red Lion” Public House plus 9 new apartments
Conversion of former care home into 9 apartments in central Bristol funded by Hodge
Hodge funds excellent residential re-purposing on the edge of Bristol city centre
Hodge Commercial Lending team outlines new structure and plans for 2021

Hodge funds development of 15 residential sea-view houses in coastal Ceredigion, South Wales
