Identity theft is when a criminal steals your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, current or previous address, and uses it to commit fraud by setting up cards and loans in your name, or using it to attempt to get government benefits.
Criminals will steal your identity in a number of ways, including going through your mail for old bank statements, setting up a mail redirection for your address without you knowing, or using social media to build a profile of you.
How to protect yourself
Check your bank statements regularly for transactions you don't recognise.
If you receive a letter or email about a loan or card that you didn't apply for, call your bank immediately.
Check your privacy settings online and think about what personal or financial information you are sharing.
If you lose your card, drivers license or passport, report them as lost immediately to the organisation that issued it.
Destroy unwanted documents that have your personal or financial information on them.
Be wary of who has access to your mail.
A-Z of scams
Take Five to Stop Fraud
Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment. Stop and think. It could protect you and your money.
STOP
Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE
Ask yourself, could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT
Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.