Identity Theft

You may become a victim of identity theft if:Identity Theft

  • You have lost or had stolen important documents such as your passport.
  • Post expected from your bank has not arrived or you are receiving no post at all.

You may already be a victim of identity theft if:

  • Items have appeared on your bank or credit card statements that you do not recognise.
  • You have applied for state benefit but have been told that you are already claiming.
  • You receive bills, invoices or receipts addressed to you for goods or services you haven’t asked for.
  • A mobile phone contract has been set up in your name without your knowledge.
  • You receive letters from solicitors or debt collectors for debts that aren’t yours.

How to protect yourself:

  • Regularly get a copy of your personal credit file. This may cost as little as £2.00 from a credit reference agency and will show up any entries that you do not recognise.
  • Royal Mail offers a redirection service to help prevent identity fraud when you move house. It is worth considering asking Royal Mail to redirect any post from your old address to your new one for at least a year. You will though have to pay a charge for this service.
  • If you do move address, inform your bank, credit-card company and any other organisations that you deal with as soon as possible. To ensure all is in order get a credit file two to three months after moving.
  • Cancel any lost or stolen credit or debit cards immediately. Keep a note of the emergency numbers you should call in a safe place.
  • Be careful to keep your personal information secure when using your card over the phone, on the internet or in shops.
  • Be aware of your surroundings when keying in your pin number at cash machines or any outlet using chip and PIN. If you notice something unusual about the cash machine you’re using, cancel the transaction and inform the bank immediately.
  • Do not casually throw away documents such as bills, receipts, credit or debit card slips, bank statements or even unwanted post in your name. Destroy these by using a shredder.

If you want further advice on identity theft contact your local crime reduction officer.

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