Prevent Identity Theft
Having your identity stolen can be a nightmare, both emotionally and financially. As this week is National Identity Fraud Prevention Week, smile the Internet bank have come up with its top ten tips to prevent ID theft in a bid to combat this ever-increasing figure.
1. Check your statement.
If you notice anything strange on your statements or if you think someone may have accessed your accounts, contact your bank immediately.
2. Protect your identity.
Invest in a shredder to destroy any receipts, bills, bank statements and even junk mail that you wouldn't want other people getting their hands on.
3. Your login details.
Be aware of others close by who may try to take note of your account information. Don't choose or change your security details in a public place.
4. Your cards.
Always keep your cards in your possession and never let them out of your sight. Never let anyone know your Personal Identification Number (PIN). When using a cash machine or using your card in a shop beware of anyone trying to watch you enter your PIN.
5. Your security information.
Avoid password that others can guess. Don't tell anyone your security details and never ever write them down. Change your security information immediately if you suspect anyone else may have gained access to it.
6. Your credit file.
Check your credit file for accuracy. Look for unauthorized activity, such as new accounts you didn't open, credit searches by companies you haven't dealt with or address links to addresses you don't recognize. You can arrange to receive your credit file regularly to monitor credit applications made in your name.
7. Your transactions.
Be sure you are dealing with a genuine and legitimate company before giving them any account details, particularly if they have approached you.
8. Documents.
Keep all your important documents, such as your passport, driving license, birth/marriage certificate, in a safe place (but not all together if possible). They are as valuable to a criminal as electrical equipment or jewelry and can be easily sold to an identity fraudster.
9. Do not give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you have initiated the contact. Identity thieves will pose as bank representatives, Internet service providers, and even government officials to get you to reveal identifying information. 10. Guard your Social Security number. Ask to use other types of identifiers when possible, and don't carry your SSN card. Be sure to keep it in a secure place. Do not put your Social Security number on your checks.
11. Minimize the identification information and the number of cards you carry. Take only what you will<
