How To Protect Your Identity From Thieves

In the U.K., it has come to light that a number of business entities that include governments, are in serious breach of protecting their data. If this breach is not corrected, the chance is greater for scammers to engage in identity theft. Don't despair. There are things you can do to prevent being a victim:

You must diligently be mindful of your surroundings, when you're conducting business, especially if it's your personal business. Identity fraud in the U.K. alone is approximately £1.7 billion a year.

The scammers have ways of obtaining your personal information. From this point, they can use your information to get access to your bank accounts, create additional debt, money laundering and make false identification cards, such as your license or passport. The whole situation can create havoc and headaches for you. If money is stolen from your account, it's highly unlikely that you will be held responsible for the theft. According to the credit reference agencies, it may take at least 300 hours to repair one case.

Even though identity fraud is on the rise, you can take steps to protect your assets. Make sure you keep all your financial documents in one place. If you have a receipt from a store or ATM, make sure to take it with you. If you leave it, someone can figure out your account information and have a field day. Scammers like it when you're careless with your receipts, etc. Even though it doesn't show the entire account number, just showing the last four digits will give them ammunition. They can get so desperate that they'll hire homeless people to dig through outside rubbish containers to see who will be their next victim.

If you don't need the information with the personal stuff on it, then invest in a shredder. A shredder is the best way to get rid of anything because the paper is shredded lengthwise into small pieces. It would be impossible to try and piece the papers together because it's cut so fine and so small. The scammers would do nothing but get frustrated and give up. You can also shred information in regard to direct mailings, etc. These mailings usually include your name and address. You can purchase an electric shredder for as little as £10 at any store that has office supplies.

If you are keeping financial records for a time, you will want to lock them up, whether it's a safe deposit box or at the solicitor's office.If you are receiving e-mails that advise you to update your security section on your computer, don't fall for it. It's a phishing scam. This is another way that thieves can get your personal information. Once you click on the link and open another website, you have opened yourself up to a can of worms. The scammers will have a field day. The scammers can use this to create multiple identities. The banks do not use cold call tactics to get personal information from you. You should not reveal your information over the phone to anyone you don't know. If you want to find out what's really going on, ask them for a number where you can call them back. If they hesitate or don't comply, then you know it's a scam. No financial institution or other website in their right mind would send you an e-mail or cold call you asking for your personal and financial information.

People that are moving are a good target for scammers. As soon as you have your new address, contact everyone that needs to know as soon as possible. It is also advisable to have your mail forwarded to the new address for a year. In the U.K., you can sign up for an address change service and it will take care of all the companies you're affiliated with, whether it's personal or business. The Royal Mail offers this service for a small fee. You should also register with the Mailing Preference Service to cut down on receiving so much junk mail.

It is not a good idea to write down your PIN and passwords where someone can spot them. You should not disclose this information to anyone. Once you do, they are able to take advantage of you like you've never seen before. When you create a password, try not to use easy stuff like common names, birth dates, etc.

If you want to check for fraudulent activity on your credit file or bank statements, get a copy of your credit file and check your bank statement every month. Alternatively, you can also check your bank account online if you have access. If you feel that you are a victim of identity fraud, and you don't have a copy of your credit file, get one from one of the credit reference agencies that service the UK. If there is something that is not supposed to be there, contact the credit provider as soon as possible. The faster you do this, the better chance you have of getting the discrepancy removed. You should also contact the police so they can fill out a report and you'll get a crime number.

You should note down everything you found related to your fraud issues. The more information you have, the quicker it will be to get things turned around and resolved. When sending correspondence, send it recorded or special delivery. If you want to obtain a credit file warning (CIFAS Registration), then it will cost £11.75. No one will be able to obtain credit under your name unless you authorise it. Believe it or not, there are some scammers who will go as far as using the identity of a deceased person. One would think that people wouldn't stoop to that level, but if they're desperate enough, it doesn't matter to them if the victims are no longer among the living. Fortunately, the credit file warning service can be used for the deceased as well. If you need more information on credit fraud, and how to prevent it in the U.K., then purchase 'Even The Score'.