Identity theft - what is it and how can it be avoided?
It might sound obvious but your identity and personal information are extremely valuable. If a criminal finds out your personal details they can use them to open a bank account, get a credit card, or apply for a loan, state benefits, passport or driving licence in your name. Having your identity stolen can create many headaches for you so here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim.
- Obtain a copy of your personal credit file from a credit reference agency on a regular basis; this can cost as little as £2. Look out for entries you do not recognise.
- When you move home ensure your post is redirected for at least a year. There is a charge for this service.
- Knowledge is power! Stay informed about the latest security threats. Install browser and operating system security patches as soon as they become available or configure your system to check for and install the critical security patches automatically.
- Use a strong password (at least 7 characters, upper and lower case, letters and numbers) and change it often. Don’t use the same password for everything.
- Turn off your browser's scripting, Java and ActiveX capabilities. If you need them to make something work on a site you trust, just turn them back on (or you can specify which sites can use those technologies within your browser).
- If a suspicious email contains a link to a web page, don’t click it. Instead, and only if you really need to visit the site, navigate to the website by typing the company’s original URL into the address bar of your browser.
- Make sure your family's instant messaging files don't contain personal information—especially phone numbers, addresses, photos, or anything that could connect you or your children with your instant messaging identities.
- Use a personal firewall, antivirus software and an anti-spyware tool to protect your data from hackers, phishers, viruses, worms and Trojan horses. Make sure your antivirus solution automatically scans email and instant messaging attachments.
If you think you’ve become a victim
Act quickly to make sure you’re not liable for financial losses:
- Report lost or stolen documents such as passports, driving licences, credit cards and chequebooks to the organisation that issued them.
- If someone has opened an account in your name contact the company immediately.
- Contact your bank or credit card company to report suspicious transactions on your statement.
- Get a copy of your personal credit file and report any suspicious entries. Report the matter to the police and obtain a crime reference number.
There is an organisation called CIFAS – The UK’s Fraud Prevention Service. You are able to register with them if you believe you are at risk or have actually become a victim of identity theft. Members of CIFAS will carry out extra checks if anyone contacts them applying for financial services using your address.
For further information concerning identity theft contact any of the following useful websites:
www.banksafeonline.org.uk – Bank Safe Online
www.cardwatch.org.uk - CardWatch
www.cifas.org.uk – The UK’s Fraud Prevention Service
www.fsa.gov.uk – Financial Services Authority
www.bba.org.uk – British Bankers Association
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