IDENTITY THEFT

Identity theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, social security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

For identity, this information is as good as gold .skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods such as old –fashion stealing ,skimming ,phishing, or dumpster diving to get hold of your information .once they have your personal information ,identity thieves use it in a variety of ways ,for instance credit card fraud ,bank/account fraud ,or government document fraud.

Identity fraud

Identity fraud can be described as the use of that stolen identity in criminal activity to obtain goods or services by deception.

Fraudsters can use your identity details to:

• open bank accounts
• obtain credit cards, loans and state benefits
• order goods in your name
• take over your existing accounts
• take out mobile phone contracts
• obtain genuine documents such as passports and driving licences in your name.

Stealing an individual’s identity details does not, on its own, constitute identity fraud. But using that identity for any of the above activities does.

The first you know of it may be when you receive bills or invoices for things you haven’t ordered, or when you receive letters from debt collectors for debts that aren’t yours.

Protect yourself against identity fraud

• Don’t throw out anything with your name, address or financial details without shredding it first.
• If you receive an unsolicited email or phone call from what appears to be your bank or building society asking for your security details, never reveal your full password, login details or account numbers. Be aware that a bank will never ask for your PIN or for a whole security number or password.
• If you are concerned about the source of a call, ask the caller to give you a main switchboard number for you to call them back on. Alternatively, hang up and call your bank back on the legitimate phone number printed on your bank statements.
• Check your statements carefully and report anything suspicious to the bank or financial service provider concerned.
• Don’t leave things like bills lying around for others to look at.
• If you’re expecting a bank or credit card statement and it doesn’t arrive, tell your bank or credit card company.
• If you move house, ask Royal Mail to redirect your post for at least a year.
• The three credit reference agencies offer a credit report checking service to alert you to any key changes on your credit file that could indicate potential fraudulent activity. • Callcredit • Equifax • Experian
• It is particularly helpful to check your personal credit file 2-3 months after you have moved house.