Protect your identity

Identity fraud or theft is when somebody steals your personal details and pretends to be you. They may do this to buy things in your name and charge them to your bank account. Find out how to protect your personal details and prevent anyone using your identity.

Keep your personal details private

Using just a few of your personal details, criminals can apply for bank accounts, credit cards, benefits and official documents in your name.

There are many ways that someone get your personal information and steal your identity, including:

finding out your bank details
taking your passport or driving licence, or copying the details
copying your credit card details
accessing your personal information through a fraudulent website or email
taking junk mail that has your personal information on it
going through your dustbin to find receipts or other information

Personal details should only ever be revealed when it is your decision to give them out. Your bank will never ask you for your PIN or your online account password, and neither will any trustworthy online retailer, credit card or auction site.

To keep your information safe you should:

never give out your personal details to a telephone caller, such as your date of birth or mother's maiden name
always delete emails asking you to 'update' bank account details (fraudsters can easily use the logos of high street store names, and fraudulent emails will often appear genuine)

Stay safe online

To stay safe online:

delete suspicious-looking emails without opening them
keep a good firewall on your home computer
don't use the same password on all websites
don't give personal information to any company that emails or calls you unexpectedly
don't respond to emails that seem to be from your bank asking you to 're-enter' your personal details - your bank will not ask you to do that
don't buy online unless you see the golden padlock on the payments page, and a web address beginning with https
install all security updates and 'patches' offered by your computer software company

For more information about protecting yourself online, go to:

Stay safe offline

To you stay safe offline:

shred all personal information before throwing it away in your rubbish; this includes bank statements, anything containing National Insurance details, salary information, even old membership cards
remove and destroy the name and address on the envelopes you receive before throwing them away
don't give out your personal information when you could be overheard
don't leave personal documents visible in your home
arrange to redirect your mail to your new address when you move
tell your utility companies (gas, electric and water) when you change address
keep your banking and credit card PIN numbers safe
keep your credit card within view when paying at restaurants or shops
make sure your letterbox is secure, and that post can get through and fall safely to the floor
if you live in a shared building, ask your bank if you can pick up new debit cards or cheque books at your branch

Don't keep personal information, passwords or bank details on your mobile phone. If it gets stolen, you could lose more than just the handset.

Protecting your belongings

Check your credit report

Checking your credit report regularly can help you spot any suspicious activity, giving you a chance to report it before it goes too far.

You can order your credit report. If you have ever had a credit card, a loan or a mortgage, one of three main credit reference agencies hold a file on you. This includes details of organisations with which you have had financial dealings in recent years.

A statutory credit report by post costs £2.00. When you receive your report, check it thoroughly. The three main consumer credit reference agencies are:

If you see information you don't recognise, contact the credit reference agency and let them know.

Signs your identity has been stolen

You may not know immediately that your identity has been stolen. It is important that you protect your details and be aware of any signs that your identity might have been stolen.

Look out for:

unusual payments or direct debits appearing on your bank statements
important mail going missing - you should know when to expect a bank statement or a new cheque book, if it doesn't arrive, tell your bank
recycling bins and rubbish bags being tampered with
bills arriving for things that you haven't bought or for services you haven't ordered
new credit cards appearing on your credit record

Reporting identity fraud or theft

If you think that your identity or personal information has been stolen, report the problem immediately.

Speak to your bank or building society straight away, if you think your credit/debit card, online bank account or cheque book have been stolen or hacked.

If you think your post might have been intercepted or stolen, contact Royal Mail:

telephone 08457 740 740

For more advice, go to:

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