Prevent Identity Theft and Avoid Credit Fraud.
Identity theft and credit fraud are a huge problem in modern day to day life Access free protection advice to learn how to protect yourself.
We hear report after report of how government and private companies are loosing our personal details, exposing us to the potential threats that come with identity theft.
So, what is Identity Theft?
It is using someone else's personal information (such as a name, address, bank account numbers, driver's license information, national insurance number or social security number, for example) without that person's knowledge, and using the assumed identity to commit fraud or theft.
The victims of identity fraud find that they are affected in many ways, some who have had their identity stolen miss out on job opportunities, some are refused loans and housing and all find that they are left with destroyed credit ratings and reputations.
So how can you reduce the chances of it happening to you?
Follow our list of sensible precautions and reduce the chances of you being an easy target!
* Make sure that you keep a regular check on your credit information. Our free credit check helps by letting you view your credit score, so that you know if it changes.
* Make sure that you keep track of your personal information, only share the information with companies or organisations that you know and trust.
* Keep information like your National Insurance number and mother's maiden name safe. Wherever possible, avoid giving personal information out over the phone.
* Never add your National Insurance number on your cheque's, outside of envelopes, etc.
* Keep the number of credit cards, bank cards, and personal identification information such as your driving license to a minimum. Make sure that you have signed any cards that you do carry.
* Make sure that you keep new cheque books or cancelled cheque's in a safe place, and report lost or stolen cheque's immediately to the issuing bank.
* Never leave receipts at cash point machines, bank counters, waste paper bins or on the counter at petrol stations. Get into to the habit of keeping them safe and checking them off against your bank statement before shredding them.
* When shopping online, make sure that you only buy from secure Internet sites. Look for the closed padlock icon to appear at the bottom of your browser to check the site's security status. Check the website's privacy policies to make sure they are not distributing or selling your personal information such as name and address information without your permission.
* NEVER throw papers into your bin that contain any personal information about you. ALWAYS shred or burn all personal documents.
* Immediately report all lost or stolen credit cards. If you have applied for a new credit card, but it hasn't arrived within a few days, call the bank or credit card company that issued the card.
* Keep a check on your bills and statements, if they do not arrive on time chasing up the issuing company; a missing credit card bill could mean an identity thief has changed your billing address to their tracks.
* Always notify your credit card companies and financial institutions well in advance of any change of address or telephone number.
* Regularly check your credit report and look for any unfamiliar activity or changes, such as new accounts, inquiries, or public records.
By keeping an eye on your documents, statements and regularly monitoring your credit, you will be taking measures to protect yourself against the potential damage of Identity Theft and avoid credit fraud.
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