How can I avoid becoming a victim of identity fraud?
False identity/impersonation fraud remains the most rapidly growing type of fraud in the UK. Victims of impersonation crime are often the victims of street crimes or burglaries. Most victims report such crimes to the police and check for missing valuables such as jewellery, money, and computers, but credit fraudsters are interested in bank statements, passports, driving licences and other sources of identification. Thieves often use such documents and credit card receipts to adopt the identity of their victim, then apply for credit cards, store cards, and loans. To avoid becoming the victim of identity fraud, you should consider all the following suggestions.
Monitor the information on your credit report. The fact that it takes most people nearly a year and a half to discover they are victims of identity fraud vividly demonstrates that most of us make life far too easy for the criminals. People who regularly monitor their credit reports typically spot if someone is attempting identity fraud in their name within a matter of weeks. Click here to visit CreditExpert.
Tear up or shred bills and statements before throwing them away, to avoid fraudsters using them. Ideally you should use an electric shredder.
Destroy all cheques and cards after you close a bank account. Ask your bank not to send new chequebooks and credit cards to your home address. Tell them you prefer to pick them up instead.
Monitor bank statements and credit card bills for signs of fraud.
Never disclose personal or financial details to anyone 'cold-calling', even if they claim to be from your bank, the police or another official organisation. It's always a good idea to phone them back on the number you have for them, not the one they may give you.
Try to keep your personal information in different places around the house so a thief will find it more difficult to obtain complete information. Keep as much as possible locked up.
If you move home, redirect your post from day one. The new occupants may at best just throw letters in the bin instead of forwarding to your new address; at worst, they might use the information to steal your identity. You can also register with the Mailing Preference Service (see 'Links' above) to remove your name and previous address from direct mailing lists.
