Your identity is valuable – look after it
According to figures published by the Home Office in 2006, the cost of identity fraud in the UK is currently running at £1.7 billion a year and 25% of the population has apparently already suffered from it or knows someone who has.
Identity theft can be a distressing experience; it can take away your control, damage your credit rating and tarnish your reputation.
By taking a few sensible precautions and managing your personal information carefully, you can substantially reduce the likelihood of falling victim to it.
Follow the tips below to keep your identity safe:
- If you receive bills or statements addressed to you but you know they don't belong to you, inform the sender straight away.
- Keep track of when your statements are due to quickly identify if you don't receive one.
- Make plans to keep your post safe whilst on holiday.
- If you move, make sure your post is redirected to your new address and advise all organisations of your new address.
- Restrict what personal information you carry around in your handbag or wallet.
- Consider the use of a domestic safe or lockable cabinet to secure personal documents.
- Report any lost or stolen documents such as passports or DVLC immediately.
- Look at your bank and credit card statements promptly and report any transactions you do not recognise immediately to your bank
- Make regular credit file checks. If you are unexpectedly declined check your credit file is correct.
- Only divulge your card details in a telephone transaction when you have instigated the call and know the company you are dealing with.
- Shred or securely dispose all confidential waste including receipts, bank statements and any official forms.
- Never reveal your personal information to anyone you don't know.
- Use strong passwords that are difficult to be guessed by fraudsters.
- Do not disclose PINs, Internet login details or passwords in response to unsolicited emails claiming to be from your bank or the police.
- Do not write down your password, Internet login details or PIN.
- We recommend that you purchase anti-virus / firewall software and take regular updates to that software, to protect your PC from virus attacks and unauthorised remote access to information held on your PC
- When using wireless networks ensure you have appropriate security registered and you signoff when not in use.
- Don't login to your accounts from a PC in a public place such as a cyber cafe, college or work, be aware of the possibility of another person watching your logon and noting your access details
- Your PC holds sensitive information, never leave it unattended when you are logged on to your accounts.
