Data Security and Identity Theft
What should I do to ensure that any data about me is not used fraudulently?
First you should remain vigilant:
- If you receive a bill, invoices or receipts or see entries on your bank statement for goods or services you have not ordered or bought you should contact your bank, building society or credit card company immediately.
- Be suspicious of anybody who contacts you by telephone or email and asks for personal information or account details, whatever company or organisation they claim to represent. For example, should your credit card be stolen it is a much more valuable asset to a criminal if he is then able to gain further information about you e.g. date of birth, PIN details etc which may then be used to provide further identification details when purchasing good/services via the internet or telephone.
What should I do if I am aware that any of my data has been misused in anyway?
- The first thing you should do is contact the organisation where the fraud has taken place. If you are aware how the misuse happened, for example, a transaction on your credit card, you should contact the issuing organisation as soon as you become aware. Should you be unable to find your credit card, do not wait for it to be misused, report it immediately and have a stop put on it.
Should you suspect that your details have been misused you can get further information from the Home Office at www.identitytheft.org.uk . You can find specific advice about protecting your bank account at www.cifas.org.uk and monitoring your credit rating at www.callcredit.co.uk
What is CIFAS?
CIFAS is the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service with 270 Members spread across banking, credit cards, asset finance, retail credit, mail order, insurance, savings and investments, telecommunications, factoring and share dealing.
Members share information about attempted frauds and individuals at a higher risk from fraud in the fight to prevent further fraud.
What is CallCredit?
The CallCredit service acts like a burglar alarm, constantly monitoring your credit record and sending you an alert as soon as any changes are detected.
