If you're worried that someone could steal your ID and run up huge bills in your name, here's our quick guide to what identity theft is, how you can avoid being a victim and where to find further advice.
What is identity theft?
It's when someone claims to be you for some sort of personal gain, usually monetary. Once criminals have found out your personal details they can use them to crease false documents, get credit cards, loans, documents such as passports and driving licenses in your name, run up bills and even gain access to your bank account.
How does they steal these details?
Worryingly, it can actually be very easy. All that a fraduster needs to obtain is basic information such as your birth date, your address and phone number or other personal documents such as bills and statements, credit card details or online passwords and log-in details etc.
At home, this information can be acquired from discarded credit card statements or other paper bills that were not destroyed.
Online, fraudsters use techniques such as phishing scams to trick you into sending personal information, such as a credit card number or website log-in codes.
What can I do to protect myself?
If you're buying something on the internet, make sure the company is reputable or a recognised brand. Also check that the connection is secure - the site address should begin with "https://" and display a padlock showing the transaction is enrcypted. Always think about who you're giving your details to and why they need them.
Always remember that banks will never write to you asking for your password or any other sensitive information by email.
If you receive a dubious email do not click on links or attachments and contact a bank or company immediately. Always type the bank or company's address in yourself.
To be extra safe you should avoid doing online banking over an unsecured wireless connection or a computer shared with others.
Use a different password for every site you log onto. Signing up to a website and using the same password you use for your bank or billing service can be a dangerous move. Always use a long, difficult to guess password, that uses a combination numbers with letters, and try to avoid common names or words such as your pet's name.
I think I am a victim, what do I do now?
Take time to thoroughly check your bank statements when they arrive, or keep a regular eye on your online account.
Begin by reporting any potential crime at your local police station and request a crime number. Contact any organisations who have tricked into giving the fraudsters credit in your name. Get hold of a copy of your credit report – this will show any requests for credit which have been made that you might not yet be aware of.
You can buy a copy of your personal credit file for £2 from credit reference agencies such as Equifax (www.equifax.co.uk), Experian (www.uk.experian.com) or Callcredit (www.callcredit.plc.uk).
Finally, you can request a note be added to your file which states you have been a victim of identity theft.
Where can I go for more help?
The Home Office Identity Theft website is a collaboration between UK financial bodies, government and the police to combat the threat of identity theft and offers useful links and information for ensuring your ID remains safe.
Bank Safe Online (www.banksafeonline.org.uk) is the UK banking industry's website for helping online banking customers stay safe online. You can also forward suspected scam emails.
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Web User Essential Guide: Identity Theft
What is identity theft?
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Claire Woffenden, Editor
