Partners | Press Room | Downloads | Useful Links | Contact Us
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 

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

  • Guard Your Cards
    Minimise the information and the number of cards you carry in your wallet. If you lose a card, contact the fraud division of the relevant credit card company. If you apply for a new credit card and it doesn't arrive in a reasonable time, contact the issuer. Watch cashiers when you give them your card for a purchase and make sure you can see your credit card at all times. When you receive a new card, sign it in permanent ink and activate it immediately

  • 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

  • Check Your Credit Report at Credit Reference Agencies
    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
    See useful links for more information

  • Keep Your Documents Safe
    Store any documents containing personal details, such as your passport, driving license, bank statements or utility bills in a safe place. In addition, limit the number of documents you carry around with you that contain your personal details. If possible, do not leave personal documents in your vehicle

  • 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. Cross cut shredders provide greater security 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
    Fraudsters may try to redirect your mail without your permission. If you suspect your mail is being stolen or whether a mail redirection application has been made in your name without your knowledge contact Royal Mail Customer Care on 08457 740 740

    Deposit outgoing post in post office collection boxes or at your local post office rather than leaving it in office out trays or similar. For more information see
    www.postoffice.co.uk

  • Secure Your Post
    If you use a central or communal postal delivery point, such as in a block of flats, make sure your mail is secured until you can collect it. Consider a lockable postbox and collect your mail as soon as possible. If you have to post any documents that contain personal details ask at your local post office for advice on the most secure posting method. Visit www.royalmail.com for more information

  • Moving House or Going Away
    If you move house, tell your bank, card issuer and of course all other organisations that you deal with immediately, but don't forget to ask Royal Mail to redirect any mail from your old address to your new one for at least a year

    If you're planning to be away from home for an extended period consider contacting Royal Mail about their 'Keepsafe' service which will hold your mail for up to two months, and deliver it to you on your return. Visit www.royalmail.com for more information

  • Update Contact Details
    If you move house or change phone numbers tell all relevant organisations about the change as soon as possible. Using a mail forwarding service for at least a year is a good way to make sure all post is redirected to your new home and reduces the risk of your personal information getting into the wrong hands

  • Stay Safe Online
    If you use the internet make sure you have the latest security patches and up-to-date anti-virus software installed

    For more details click here to download your free guide to Protecting Your Identity