Recently, I was victim of identity theft. The good news is that two companies very.co.uk and Halifax both recognised the fraudulent application and so the identity thief was not able to use my details to open fake accounts.
There is lots of good information at UK Fraud Service CIFAS After this incident, an extra password has been put in place for anyone opening a new password. These are some tips to avoid Identity Fraud
There are so many ways your identity can be detrimentally damaged and this will give you some tips to protect yourself against others.
On Line Protection
- Think about the risks when working online. Only buy from reputable sites with Https and recognised padlock security.
- Do not be tricked by online crooks into giving them your information. Beware of fake emails with links to convincing but fraudulent websites. They want to spend your money, tap your bank account and use your credit cards.
- Do not succumb to phishing by giving out your name, bank details, passwords or information to anyone. Block unwanted spam and use a modern browser.
- Beware of responding to seemingly innocent emails if the response is driven by your needs
- If you publish anything on line you have no control over how it is stored, copied or archived. Think twice about publishing something you might later regret.
- Use strong passwords mixing several words, letters, numbers and punctuation. Use different passwords for different sites particularly for financial matters.
- Be careful about giving away too much information on on blogs and social networking sites. Identity thieves can piece together your identity from public information piece by piece like putting together a jigsaw.
- Crooks are very good at persuading you to do what they want. Beware the promise of huge rewards, lottery wins, lost inheritances, upfront payments etc.
- If you get a bad vibe or pressured into a quick decision, walk away.
- If you think you have been compromised consider contacting ecommerce sites like ebay and Amazon and ask them to freeze your accounts.
- Keep your guard up and use your common sense.
- Choose a safe way to pay like PayPal or credit card.
- Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Off Line Protection
- Never carry documents or plastic cards unnecessarily. When not in use keep them in a safe place under lock and key if practical.
- In a shop or ATM make sure other people cannot see or hear your pin or personal information.
- If your credit cards, passport or driving licence have been lost or stolen contact the issuing organisation immediately.
- Keep your passwords and pins safe do not keep with your cards.
- Tell your bank, card issuers and all other organisations that you deal with immediately if you move house. Redirect your mail for at least a year. If you suspect your mail is being stolen. Check whether a mail redirection order has been made in your name without your knowledge.
- Be extra careful if you live in a property where other people could have access to your mail. You can arrange to collect valuable items such as new plastic cards or cheque books from a local branch.
- Destroy unwanted bills, receipts, credit-or debit-card slips, bank statements or even unwanted post in your name using a shredder.
- Check statements as soon as they arrive. If any unfamiliar transactions are listed, contact the company concerned immediately.
- Never give personal or account details to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Be suspicious even if they claim to be from your bank or the police.
- Dispose of unwanted computers with great care.
Remember just because you are paranoid it doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get you.
In the words of Hill Street Blues ‘Let’s be careful out there’
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