How to protect yourself from identity fraud

Identity theft is when criminals use your personal details for their own monetary reward. In particularly bad cases it can result in bank accounts being taken out in your name, redirecting your post, or even securing a passport in your name.

Below we share our tips so you can keep criminals hands off your personal information.

Staying safe on the internet

Whenever you’re sharing personal information online, always double check the site or emails are legitimate before sharing any details.

Look out for emails asking for your personal information, most banks would never email asking for any account details. If you’re not sure - don’t do it, if someone genuinely needs your information they will contact you through the correct channels. Also, be careful about sharing too much information on social media.

Destroy personal financial records

Or anything with your personal details on, for that matter. Investing in a shredder can really help you in the long run. Shred any personal information you no longer need and whatever you need keep it safe and locked away.

Protect your National Insurance number

Getting hold of this number is a key way for thieves to gain access to your information and funds. Try and memorise your number then you can get rid of the card by cutting it up.

If you don’t feel comfortable, make sure your card is left somewhere safe at home.

Check your statements

Always check your bank and credit statements regularly and challenge any transactions that you don’t recognise.

Beware of scams

It’s becoming increasingly hard to tell what’s a genuine request and what’s not. Any request for information should be followed up by a call to the organisation to check its legitimacy.

Draft a Notice of Correction

This notice can be added to your report and be used to add a password to your credit report. Any lender who receives an application in your name will have to request this password as an extra layer of security.

It can also be used to let lenders know about any items you believe have been stolen and notify them not to use them as proof of your identity going forward.

Contact CIFAS

CIFAS are the fraud prevention service in the UK. You can call them and request something called a Protective Registration. This adds a marker to your credit report that means that members of CIFAS will make extra checks to verify your identity if they receive an application in your name.

Check your credit report

You can check your report for free with Experian, Equifax and TransUnion UK (formerly Call Credit).

If you fear you have, and the fraudster has tried to take out a card in your name - you will know instantly by looking at your credit report.

Request a copy of your credit report and watch out for the following:

• Credit accounts you haven’t opened
• Credit applications that you haven’t made
• Links to addresses or names that aren’t connected to you
• Any court judgements or other entries that you don’t recognise

If you do spot something, contact your lender, or the credit reference agency, or both. Once confirmed then it will be removed from your report by the credit reference agency.