Protecting yourself against Identity Theft

Our research has shown to date there is not a fully comprehensive solution or service for consumers to protect themselves from the repercussions of Identity Theft, however there are some practical measures you can take to protect your identity and sensitive data.

• Shred documents and paperwork which contain personal information before you discard them

• Don't give out personal information unless you know who you are dealing with

• Never click on links in unsolicited emails, instead, type in a web address which you know

• Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer

• Don't use obvious passwords like your birth date or your mother's maiden name

• Keep your personal information in a secure place at home

• Be alert for discrepancies in your financial bills and statements and query them immediately

• Report fraud as soon as you detect it

The following have also been recommended :

• Collect delivered postal mail as soon as possible.

• Use reliable ATMs at reputable sites only.

• Look for any suspicious attachments to an ATM and petrol station devices which accept credit and debit cards, and if in doubt, do not use the ATM or petrol station device, but report the problem.

• Be aware of your surroundings when using an ATM. Hide what you type on a keypad from others.

• Limit the amount of personal information you publish on the web.

• When shopping online, make sure the company is reputable, displays an approved security symbol and uses an encrypted page to take payment details. The encrypted page should not generate warnings about being signed by an unknown authority.

• When handing over your credit card, do not let it out of your sight.

• Avoid the threat of check washing by using Gel ink pens when writing cheques.

Keeping your personal information secure

Your identity and personal information are valuable assets. Keep them secure.

• Regularly obtain a copy of your personal credit file from one of the three credit reference agencies to see which financial organisations have accessed your details. It is particularly helpful to check your personal credit file 2-3 months after you have moved house.
   

• Be extra careful if you live in a property where other people could have access to your mail. In some cases a bank or credit card company could arrange for you to collect valuable items such as new plastic cards or cheque books from a local branch.
   

• If you suspect your mail is being stolen, contact the Royal Mail Customer Enquiry Line: 08457 740 740. Check whether a mail redirection order has been made in your name without your knowledge.
   

• If you move house, tell your bank, card issuer and all other organisations that you deal with immediately. Ask the Royal Mail to redirect any mail from your old address to your new one for at least a year.
   

• Consider using the Mailing Preference Service to limit the amount of unwanted mail you receive.

Keep credit cards and store cards safe

• If your plastic cards are lost or stolen, cancel them immediately. Keep a note of the emergency numbers you should call. Further details can be found at the Card Watch website.
   

• When giving your card details or personal information over the phone, Internet or in a shop, make sure other people cannot hear or see your personal information.
   

• Never carry documents or plastic cards unnecessarily. When not in use keep them in a safe place.

Keep your documents safe

• Keep your personal documents in a safe place, preferably in a lockable drawer or cabinet at home. Consider storing valuable financial documents such as share certificates with your bank.
   

• If your passport or driving licence has been lost or stolen contact the issuing organisation immediately.
   

• Don't throw away entire bills, receipts, credit-or debit-card slips, bank statements or even unwanted post in your name. Destroy unwanted documents, preferably by using a shredder.
   

• Check statements as soon as they arrive. If any unfamiliar transactions are listed, contact the company concerned immediately.

Keep your passwords and pin numbers safe

• Never give personal or account details to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Be suspicious even if they claim to be from your bank or the police. Ask for their phone number, check it is genuine and, if so, call them back. Be aware that a bank will never ask for your PIN or for a whole security number or password. Keep them secure.
   

• Don't use the same password for more than one account and never use banking passwords for any other websites. Using different passwords increases security and makes it less likely that someone could access any other accounts.
   

• Keep your passwords safe and never record or store them in a manner which leaves them open to theft, such as in your purse or wallet.
   

• If you receive a suspicious e-mail purporting to be from a bona fide institution which requests personal details, click here for advice provided by the banking industry.

Read More : What if it happens to you?