Making certain your debts are your own (From Echo)

Making certain your debts are your own

6:20am Saturday 11th October 2008 in

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AS the credit crunch bites it becomes even more important to protect yourself and your money against identity theft.

As people tighten their belts it is vital you take advice and look after your details to stop someone else spending your cash.

Identity fraud is a growing problem in Britain and it seems the public is doing little to prevent itself being put at risk.

The problem is costing the economy dear, more than £1billion annually, and Britain suffers one of the highest rates of identity fraud in Europe.

This week is National Identity Fraud Prevention Week highlighting the fact that while awareness of this problem is at an all-time high, people continue to put themselves at risk.

The facts about ID fraud prove we all need to be more careful. To date, about 4.3 million adults have fallen victim and the figure is going to rise as long as people continue to be lax about keeping personal information secure.

Information such as your date of birth, address, mother’s maiden name, bank details and passwords are as valuable as money.

This could be enough for a fraudster to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, loans and much more in your name.

A bin raiding survey, commissioned for identity theft week, showed 79 per cent of household waste contained at least one item which could assist fraudsters.

Almost half threw away everything a potential fraudster would need to steal a person’s identity.

One man who has been a victim is Al McGeorge, 61, who lost several hundred pounds from his account after throwing away a bank statement. He says he didn’t even realise the danger.

Mr McGeorge, from Southend, said: “I had a clear out and just didn’t realise. I threw out some paperwork including some personal documents. The first I knew of it was when I got a bank statement and spotted there was £400 missing from my account.

“I rang my bank and explained what had happened. Luckily they’ll refund it, but they gave me some stern advice.

“My son tells me I should buy a shredder and destroy everything.

“I’ve learned the hard way and now telling everyone I know to shred everything with their address or important details on.”

As well as shredding, be careful who you give details to via e-mail or on the phone, and ensure you have security software on your computer.

Check statements regularly and report any issues to your bank immediately.

How to avoid becoming a victim

• Ensure your PC is equipped with security software. 14 per cent of Brits surf unprotected.

• Use the Royal Mail redirection service when moving house and investigate stray post.

• Report lost documents, such as passports or driving licences, immediately Regularly check your credit report to ensure no accounts or credit have been illegally set up in your name.

• Always check bank statements for discrepancies.

• Make shredding part of your everyday life.

• Beware of anyone 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.

• Minimise the information and the number of cards you carry in your wallet.

• 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.

• Getsafeonline.org offers advice on keeping your details private on social networks.

How your identity can be stolen

AT HOME l Bin raiding. Fraudsters pay people to go through rubbish. Everyday information, such as old bills and even personal letters, carry valuable details.

• Unsolicited contact. Phone calls claiming to be from banks should be regarded with caution.

ONLINE l Increasingly people are placing large amounts of personal information on social networking sites, such as Myspace, Bebo and Facebook.

• Phishing. Fraudsters send an e-mail claiming to be from a bank or other organisation, asking for urgent information.

WHEN YOU ARE OUT l Wallet or purse theft. The average purse, handbag or wallet contains valuable identity documents, like driving licences and work ID cards.

• Card skimming. Copying your credit card information when you make a purchase.