Identity Theft
Identity theft affects over 100,000 people every year. By
obtaining a few of your personal details it is possible for a
criminal to open up bank accounts, obtain credit cards, claim
benefits and also apply for official documents such as a driving
licence, all of which will be traceable to you.
Common methods of obtaining your personal details include
stealing discarded documents from your rubbish. You may also be
contacted via telephone or e-mail by someone pretending to be from
a legitimate organisation, requesting personal information from
you.
You can protect yourself by:
- shredding all personal information before discarding in your
rubbish; this includes anything referring to bank accounts,
national insurance details, salary information, and old bank
cards
- deleting any suspicious e-mails from organisations requesting
personal information from you - banks for example will not ask for
such information by e-mail
- being extra vigilant when giving out personal information -
it's easy for criminals to falsify e-mail addresses, headed paper,
and other methods of communication
- ensuring if you move house that you alert your bank and other
organisations in advance so that your mail can be redirected
- notifying the Royal Mail Customer Enquiry Line on 08457 740 740
if you suspect your mail is going missing.
- Always report the theft or loss of a passport, driving licence
or bank statements.
How to identify when you are a victim
Possible signs that you have become a victim of identity theft
include:
- disappearance of mail - this may include bank statements and
credit card bills which you regularly receive that suddenly stop
arriving
- tampered with or missing rubbish bags
- receiving bills for things that you have no knowledge of
purchasing or signing up for
- irregular direct debits or payments appearing on your bank
statements.
The Home Office has set up the Identity Theft Website to give
advice on how to protect yourself or identify if you are a victim
of identity theft - visit the Identity Theft website.
Bank Safe Online sets out simple steps you can take to help keep
safe online - visit the Bank Safe Online.
