How to Protect Against Identity Fraud

Criminals are becoming increasingly high-tec. They are constantly finding new ways to crack the security systems protecting our personal information – such as the credit and debit card details we give when we are shopping – and even the passwords we use at the bank.

Here are some steps that you can take to reduce the risk of identity fraud:

1) Never throw away anything that could be used to steal your identity. Do not stop at the obvious, such as bank and credit card statements, old driving licenses and passports. The list includes pretty much anything with your name, address and other personal details. Always shred sensitive documents before you throw them out.

2) Keep confidential information, such as PINs, bank account details and passwords secret. Friends and family do not need to know. Strangers cold-calling or e-mailing will only ask for such details if they are fraudsters.

3) Check your credit card and bank statements carefully. An unidentifiable transaction is often the first sign of fraud.

4) Obtain regular copies of your credit report – the personal history of the loans, cards, mortgages and other credit you have taken out. If you discover anything unusual, such as an application for a credit card that you did not make, contact the lender and let them know. You should also contact the credit reference agencies that hold your credit report (Experian and Equifax). Your credit report changes as your circumstances change, so you need to look at it regularly to be sure that it remains accurate and up to date.

5) Do not carry around important documents, such as your passport, NI and medical cards needlessly. Lock them up securely at home.

6) Report thefts of credit cards, etc immediately to the police and any other relevant organisations, such as your bank or credit card issuer.

7) Get mail forwarded when you move and notify the Post Office immediately if any of your mail is going missing – criminals may be intercepting it.

Register to vote at your current address – it makes it more difficult for fraudsters to impersonate you.