Identity Fraud and Paper Shredders

Be on the look out

You may have become a victim of identity theft if:

• You have lost or had stolen any important documents such as passports of driving licence.
• Post you are expecting has failed to turn up or if you are receiving no post at all.
• Items have appeared on your bank statements that you do not recognise.
• You applied for a state benefit to be tNEW that you are already claiming.
• You receive bills, invoices or receipts for goods and services that are addressed but that you have not asked for.
• You have been refused a financial service, such as a credit card or loan, despite having a good credit history.
• A mobile phone contract has been set up in your name without your knowledge.
• You have received letters from solicitors or debt collectors for debts that aren't yours.

What can be done to protect yourself.

• Never disclose your credit, charge or cash card PIN number to anyone.
• Never respond to anyone for a request from a supposed Bank or other authority requesting confirmation of your PIN, your personal information or the security code. Your bank or the police will never ask you to disclose your PIN.
• Make sure your computer has an up to date anti virus software and firewall installed.
• Keep all your personal documents in a safe place, preferably in a lockable drawer.
• Check statements as soon as they arrive. Contact your bank if there are any transactions that you do not recognise.
• Most importantly, never casually throw away documents such as bills, bank statements, receipts or any unwanted post in your name. Always shred unwanted documents using a Paper Shredder.

DON'T BIN IT SHRED IT!

What to do it you think you are a victim

• Act quickly to make sure that you are not liable for financial losses caused by criminals using your identity.
• Report lost or stolen documents, such as passports, driving licences, credit cards and cheque books to the organisation that issued them.
• Consider contacting the CIFAS the UK's Fraud Prevention Service - to apply for protective registration if you believe you are a victim of identity fraud or at risk of becoming one, once you have registered, CIFAS members will carry out extra checks whenever anyone, including you, applies for a financial service using your address. They do this to make sure that a criminal is not trying to commit fraud by pretending to be you. You will have to pay a charge for this service.
• If someone fraudulently opened an account in your name, contact the company concerned 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 your local police and ask for a crime reference number.