Identity fraud casts a long shadow

The UK’s third National Identity Fraud Prevention Week begins on 8 October. Peter Hurst, Chief Executive of CIFAS – The UK’s Fraud Prevention Service (which is supporting the campaign) comments “No-one should be complacent about identity fraud. The effect on victims can be devastating. Where a victim’s identity has been seriously compromised, it can take years to untangle the threads of deception. Even where it is possible to rectify matters quickly, the psychological damage caused by such frauds can cast a long shadow.”

“National Identity Fraud Prevention Week provides an excellent opportunity not only to raise awareness of the dangers, but also to offer advice on how to avoid becoming a victim.”

Remember the acronym PROTECTION - and follow the guidelines to protect yourself against identity fraudsters:

P - personal data – keep all your personal information secure (including your account number, PIN number, passwords) etc.

R - redirect your post if you move house and notify all your contacts of your change of address promptly.

O - online be particularly wary – keep your passwords secure at all times, ensure that you have up-to-date security software, and know who you are dealing with (www.getsafeonline.org).

T - trash is like treasure for fraudsters – shred all documents including credit card slips, bank statements and anything bearing your name, address and/or signature.

E - Examine your bank statements and credit file regularly for unfamiliar items and take prompt action if you spot anything strange.

C - CIFAS Protective Registration. Use this service if you have personal documents stolen. (Contact the service on 0870 010 2091).

T - theft or loss of documents such as your driving licence or passport should be notified immediately.

I - identity documents are pure gold for fraudsters. Keep them locked away whenever possible. Do not carry them with you without good reason.

O - officials may not be genuine. Check whether they are truly who they claim to be before giving any personal details to callers, for example, or “researchers” in the street.

N - Never tell anyone your PIN or other personal security details, if they are contacting you by telephone or email rather than you contacting them. Fraudsters may try to dupe you into believing they are from banks or other companies. If you give them your account and security details they could run up huge debts in your name.