Identity theft has reached epidemic proportions and you may never discover that it has happened until it’s too late. Your identity and personal details can be used by criminals to open bank accounts, apply for loans, open store accounts and run up credit card charges in your name. So what can you do to protect yourself?
Identity theft is Britain’s fastest-growing white-collar crime, increasing at nearly 500% a year.(Source BBC)
Your identity is valuable especially to a breed of criminal whose expertise is stealing your personal information and then using it fraudulently. If your identity is stolen, it may be difficult to get bank loans, homeowner loans, credit cards or a mortgage until the matter is resolved.
Keep your personal information secure
If you live in a property where other people could have access to your mail, arrange to collect valuable items such as new plastic cards or cheque books from a local branch.
If you move house, have any mail redirect to your new address for at least 12 months. Inform your bank, card issuer and inform any other organisation that might send private or financial information through the mail.
If you shop, bank or do business online, take steps to protect your computer and the personal information it contains. For more information on computer security visit www.getsafeonline.org
Keep all your credit cards safe
If your credit cards are stolen or misplaced, cancel them immediately. Further details and emergency 24hr numbers can be found at www.cardwatch.org.uk
If you need to disclose personal information in order to make a purchase in a shop, via the phone or over the internet, make sure other people cannot see or overhear your private details.
When travelling abroad it is often necessary to show your passport or some form of picture ID when making a credit card purchase. Always ensure that important documents are returned to a safe place when not in use.
Never carry credit cards or important documents unnecessarily.
Keep your documents safe
Keep private documents in a lockable drawer or safe at home. Consider depositing financial documents such as shares with your bank.
If your driving licence or passport has been misplaced or stolen contact the issuing organisation immediately.
Examine bank and credit card statements as soon as they arrive. If any fraudulent transactions are listed, contact the company concerned without delay.
Shred or destroy old bills, receipts, credit card slips, bank statements and junk mail.
Keep your passwords and PIN numbers safe
Keep your passwords and pin numbers safe. Never store pin numbers in your purse or wallet with along your plastic cards.
Use a different password for each account. This will increase security and make it difficult for fraudsters to access multiple accounts.
Be suspicious of anyone who contacts you and requests personal details or account information. Ask for their phone number and call them back even if the claim to be your bank or building society.
Be suspicious of any e-mail requesting personal details even if it appears to be from an institution you now and have an account with. Visit www.banksafeonline.org.uk for further information.
Protecting the identity of deceased family members
To further their goals, criminals sometimes adopt the identities of deceased persons. One way of reducing the chances of this happening is to register with The Bereavement Register (www.the-bereavement-register.org.uk) who will remove the deceased’s details from mailing lists.
What to do If you suspect you could be a victim
If you think you may be a victim then send off for your credit-reference files from Experian and Equifax – it only costs £2. They will show any fraudulent applications for credit.
Equifax
Credit File Advice Centre PO Box 1140 Bradford BD1 5US http://www.equifax.com/
Experion
Consumer Help Service PO Box 8000 NOTTINGHAM NG1 5GX http://www.experian.com/
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