Identity theft rises by a third

[Michael Browne]

The number of people falling victim to identity (ID) theft in the UK has risen by almost a third, figures suggest.

 

Data from fraud prevention service Cifas shows that 34,151 confirmed instances of ID fraud were recorded in the first quarter of the year.

 

Identity fraud occurs when criminals abuse personal data to impersonate a victim or to create fictitious identities to obtain products and services.

 

Avoid identity theft and fraud

 

Identity theft can happen by taking documents from your rubbish bin or by making contact with you and pretending to be from a legitimate organisation.

There are simple steps you can take to protect yourself against identity fraud.

 

• 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.
  
• A bank will never ask for your PIN or for a whole security number or password either over the phone or via email so never share your PIN with anyone.
  
• Create strong passwords for use online, and don't use the same one for every website you login to.
  
• Protect your internet connected devices with up to date security software.
  
• Don’t leave things like bills lying around for others to look at.
  
• Don’t throw out anything containing your name, address or financial details without shredding it first.
  
• 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.
  

http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/problem/what-is-identity-theft

[spalding78]

You aren't really Michael Browne, are you?