Identity theft has become such a serious problem that a group of organisations including the government and the police have joined forces to create the invaluable advice and information site www.identitytheft.org.uk. We’ve listed some of their key recommendations here:
- Study your bank statements in detail for any
transactions or new payment arrangements you don’t recognise.
-
Check your credit report. If there’s anything you don’t
recognise make sure you check it thoroughly to ensure it’s not a
fraudulent account.
-
When you move always redirect your mail.
On
the phone
- Never give out your personal details over the phone to anyone claiming to be from a bank, shop, or company even if you have had previous dealings with them.
Over
the internet
- Never respond to emails asking for personal information.
-
Never respond to emails offering ‘make money’ schemes,
free holidays, prizes etc.
-
Always use reputable and recognisable shopping websites
for online purchases.
-
Arrange with your bank to have a security check alert
appear before you make online payments
-
Use different passwords for every site you join. This
will make it much harder for hackers to access your bank account.
Dealing
with documents
- Always shred mail with your financial details on such as bank and credit card statements, till receipts and old chequebooks.
-
It’s also a good idea to shred anything with your name
and address on it, even junk mail.
-
Avoid carrying important documents such as utility
bills, your passport or birth certificate around with you unless
absolutely necessary.
When you’re out and about
- Keep your wallet out of sight.
- Memorise your pin numbers, if you do have to write them down keep them amongst other random numbers.
- Whether you’re at a cash point or paying using your card in a shop make sure no-one can see your pin number.