Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission and uses that information to commit fraud or other crimes.

CIFAS – The UK’s Fraud Prevention Service, estimates that 135,000 people were affected by identity theft in the UK in 2005.

It can happen to anyone and the people committing the crimes can get access to your information in a number of ways including going through your trash, “skimming” your credit card number from a retailer or using a device attached to an ATM or obtaining your details through bogus phone or email scams.

To protect yourself, make sure you limit the access other people have to your personal financial information, even friends and family.

Some myths about identity theft:

We should all be on our guard when it comes to identity theft but there are some basic principles you can stick to which can go a long way towards making sure you aren’t a victim.

What to do if you are a victim:

Further information

Information and advice to stay safe online from APACS www.banksafeonline.org.uk

Information and tips on using your plastic cards safely from CardWatch – http://www.cardwatch.org.uk/

Information about identity fraud and how to apply for protective registration from the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service – http://www.identityfraud.org.uk/

FSA information on finance related scams –
http://www.fsa.gov.uk