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Identity Fraud - The Facts
How to Prevent Identity Fraud
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How to prevent Identity Fraud
By managing your personal information carefully, you can substantially reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of identity fraud. Here are some tips to show you how:
Be Vigilant: Beware of anybody who contacts you unexpectedly and asks for personal information or account details even if they claim to be from your bank, the police or another official organisation like your local council. Ask for their name and a contact number and then check with the organisation in question before calling back.
Pay Attention To Billing Cycles: Contact creditors immediately if your bills arrive late. A missing bill could mean a fraudster has taken over your credit card account and changed your billing address. It is a good idea to check your credit report regularly to ensure no accounts or credit have been illegally set up in your name. Regular monitoring of your credit report will alert you if someone has been using your identity to obtain credit, ensuring you can not only rectify your credit report as soon as possible but also stop the fraudster in their tracks. You can obtain a copy of your credit report from one of the UK’s three credit reference agencies.
Shred All Documents: Shredding documents is the best way to ensure that criminals cannot build up a profile based on the information you discard in your rubbish. Invest in a powerful shredder and make it a standard practice, whether at home or at work, to shred all documents containing personal or financial information before binning or recycling them. Confetti cut shredders provide greatersecurity by cutting paper into small confetti-like particles and also reduce bulk waste. Companies such as Fellowes offer affordable shredders for home and office use.
Protect Your Post: Deposit outgoing post in post office collection boxes or at your local post office rather than leaving it in office out trays or similar. If you plan to go away, contact the Royal Mail about its Keepsafe service which helps you avoid that tell-tale pile of unopened mail on your doormat. Keepsafe will hold your mail for up to two months, and deliver it on your return. For more information see www.postoffice.co.uk.
Stay Safe Online: If you use the internet make sure you have the latest security patches and up-to-date anti-virus software installed.