Don't lose your identity: A five-minute guide to protecting your personal details
CONSUMERS are being urged to take steps to protect their personal data, as figures show six out of 10 frauds recorded last year on the database of Cifas, the UK's fraud prevention service, were the result of abuse of identity details.
This warning comes at the start of National Identity Fraud Prevention Month, which runs through October.
Some of the crimes recorded in 2013 would have been based on the creation of fictitious identities by the fraudsters; others would have involved taking the name of a victim to get products or services.
While identity fraud has been around for some time now, there are concerns that people still seem unaware of the risk and of the length of time it can take to get matters resolved after a fraud is identified.
Fraudsters are increasingly using personal details as a key to unlock information
HOW IS YOUR IDENTITY AT RISK?
There are a number of ways in which a person's identity can be at risk.
"Fraudsters are increasingly using personal details as a key to unlock information," says Tim Downes from Lloyds Bank Insurance. "In some cases, just three pieces of personal data are needed to cause a great deal of damage."
One common method used to gain personal information involves opening mail before it is delivered or after it has been throw out.
Andrew Webb from credit information provider Equifax says: "You are also potentially at risk if you keep receipts in wallets, or throw away financial documents without shredding them."
Equally, now that the internet plays such a prominent role in our lives, we are exposed to a far greater wave of ID fraud that can often go on for weeks, or even months, unnoticed by the victim. "Fraudsters may target consumers shopping online, as all sorts of personal information is often requested in return for special offers and discounts," adds Webb.
"Plus many people still don't realise how easy it is to use the information available on social-networking sites to steal their identity and open accounts in their name.
"It is important to understand the value of your private information."
WHAT ARE THE REPERCUSSIONS OF FALLING VICTIM?
ID theft can also have implications on your mortgage and credit rating so it is vital to take action to stay safe.
"Even though most identity-related crime is now perpetrated online, it can still be difficult to determine exactly how the culprits obtain the details they need," says Downes. "That is why it is more important than ever to take steps to reduce the risk of falling victim."
PROTECT YOUR PIN
Keep your Pin and passwords secure, and ensure they are unique and not easy to guess.
"No matter how much you trust your friends and work colleagues, do not give out your Pin under any circumstances," says Webb. "Never store your Pin on your smartphone, tablet or laptop devices.
"Also ensure these devices are themselves properly Pin or password-protected because if they are stolen, a fraudster may have access to all your Facebook details."
TAKE CARE WITH PAPERWORK
Be careful when carrying credit card receipts, payslips, bank statements, utility bills and your driving licence in your handbag or wallet.
"These all reveal a lot of information about you, and a combination of these can be a fraudster's dream," warns Webb.
Make a habit of checking bank and credit card statements carefully against receipts, and report any transactions you do not recognise. Also ensure documents are stored securely at home.
If you are planning on throwing out any statements, bills and direct mail that contain personal information, make sure you shred them first.
In addition, do not forget to redirect mail when you move house; visit RoyalMail.com/personal/receiving-mail/ redirection.
BE CAUTIOUS ONLINE
When using online banking, ensure people cannot view your details, and log out of websites, rather than just closing the window.
Also note that banks and financial institutions will never send an email, text message or a link direct to a website asking you to enter personal details. "Always consider social-networking sites as an open source of information," says Downes. "Only post on these sites information that you are happy to have in the public domain."
Make sure your computer has the latest virus protection, and ideally one that updates hourly; also make sure you have a firewall.
If you are disposing of an old computer, or other electronic device that stores data, make sure you remove the information from the hard drive.
Similarly, if you are trading in an old phone, be sure to wipe the memory clean and remove any personal data.
CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORT
Monitor your credit report on a regular basis to keep an eye out for any changes to accounts, or any unauthorised activity.
You can request a copy of your statutory credit report for £2 from one of three main agencies: Experian.co.uk, Equifax.co.uk or CallCredit.co.uk. More detailed reports are available, but cost more.
OLDER PEOPLE IN GREATER DANGER OF SCAMS
Worrying new findings from Santander reveal that older people are more at risk of being scammed than other age groups, with about 3 million over-65s believing they have been victims of fraud.
Further findings show a third of people aged over-65 admit they are unfamiliar with the most common types of fraud, twice as many as those in the under-65 age bracket.
Elderly people are least familiar with "advance-fee" fraud or lottery scams, online fraud, and "romance and befriending" fraud.
Santander has just launched a new initiative to raise awareness of some of the most common scams. There is also lots of information on scams and staying safe at CitizensAdvice.org.uk.
