What is identity theft?

To report identity theft can be a painful task, especially when you are unsure of what exactly has been taken. ID theft occurs when an individual steals your private information, including financial and personal details, like your home address, email addresses, or passwords. Unlike traditional heists, identity theft does not involve the theft of anything “physical”.

Nonetheless, identity thieves execute their crime by illicitly obtaining and misusing your personal information for their own ends. Identity fraud usually follows identity theft, wherein scammers use stolen data to conduct fraudulent activities. Always remain vigilant and protect your personal information from unauthorized access!

What are the signs of identity theft?

Are you worried about falling prey to identity theft? Look out for certain signs and secure your financial welfare. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Strange withdrawals from your accounts
2. Lack of bank communication in the form of bills or mail
3. Red flags popping up when making transactions
4. Debt collection calls and notifications
5. Unknown accounts take up space in your credit history
6. Delivery of unrequested items

Be vigilant and check your financial statements regularly. If anything seems amiss, don’t hesitate to act immediately! Your financial safety should never be compromised.

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How to report identity theft (How To Report Identity Theft UK)

If you believe you’ve fallen prey to identity theft; you will almost certainly need to know ‘what to do if you are a victim of fraud’. You may feel overwhelmed by the task of reclaiming your financial life. Nevertheless, taking action without delay is crucial to get things back on track. Here are some recommended steps you can take:

  • Alert your bank immediately, and cancel all cards affected. If you receive any fraudulently opened bills/statements, it’s wise to inform the lender directly, so they can begin their investigation and you can check your credit report simultaneously.
  • Report the incident to Action Fraud, and if you’re concerned your post has been tampered with, report the incident to the Royal Mail.
  • Royal Mail fraud reporting: if you suspect mail theft or unauthorised mail redirection. Contact them on 0800 0113466 (message service only).
  • Report any identity fraud to the relevant organisation, even if it’s not financial.
  • Obtain a copy of your credit report and scrutinise it closely for any oddities or suspicious activity.
  • Consider adding a Notice of Correction password to your credit report. This is a good step if you’ve recently fallen victim to ID fraud or had important identification documents stolen during a burglary or robbery. Also, report a theft to the Police for stolen physical belongings!

Remember, being the victim of identity theft can be distressing, but taking these steps will help you regain control over your finances and minimise harm.

What can thieves do with stolen information from identity theft?

Fraudsters can manipulate identities to cause financial havoc. Here are some of the ways they do it:

  • Bank accounts can be opened, and credit cards, loans, and benefits can be applied for.
  • Mobile phone contracts can be established.
  • They can purchase goods in your name.
  • Vital documents registered to you, such as (but not confined to) your passport, birth certificate, and driver’s license, can be obtained.
  • They can even lock you out of your existing accounts.

So it’s important to stay informed and report Identity theft if you’re a victim!

Identity theft and your credit score

Identity theft can be a nightmare for your credit score. It’s essential to act quickly if you suspect fraudulent behaviour – it can warp your credit report, that all-important ‘online version’ of you that companies use to judge your financial responsibility. Your score can plummet quickly, making it appear you can’t manage your money. But don’t panic: you can turn the tide with prompt reporting. In most situations, damage to your credit score is reversible if you report any suspicious activity immediately. So stay vigilant, stay informed, and keep those scores where they belong – at their best.

How to prevent identity theft

Reporting identity fraud is a daunting task; here are the top tips that to help prevent your identity from being stolen in the first place:

  1. Firstly, ensure you shred any documents with private information before you dispose of them. Better safe than sorry, right?
  2. Also, never give out personal information over the phone. Your bank will never call you to request personal details such as your card numbers or expiry dates, so don’t fall for it and simply end the call.
  3. Be cautious if an unknown person contacts you via cold email or call. There are certain scams to be aware of, such as phishing, where fraudsters try to get you to give them personal information. If you’re concerned, it’s best to cut the call and call back later.
  4. Now, let’s talk about social media. It’s always best to keep your accounts to a minimum and ensure high privacy settings. While we love sharing information on social media, we need to be careful about posting personal details such as pets’ names, address details or even details that might reveal when you’re on holiday.
  5. Here’s a handy tip: never write down your passwords and keep them in your bag, organiser, or even your phone’s notes section. Instead, create complex and unique passwords for all your accounts. Trust me; it’s worth the extra effort!
  6. Destroying or shredding unwanted mail can also help prevent fraudsters from getting their hands on your personal details. That’s right, always keep your mail secure!
  7. Make sure your home WiFi is also secure and not easily guessable. If you use public WiFi hotspots, never sign in to personal accounts, such as online banking services or email.
  8. Lastly, you can contact CIFAS for a paid Protection Service if you want extra protection.

If data security worries you, the Credibble Credit Report and Score offers a solution that includes Dual ID Fraud Monitoring for no cost during your first month and just £9.95 monthly thereafter. With the included threat detection on your credit report and email, you can rest assured that your personal data is in safe hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should you report the theft of your identity?

Where do I report identity theft UK?

 How can I stop someone using my identity?

Do I call local police for an identity theft?

How do I report identity theft to the police UK?

How do you check if your identity has been stolen?

What are the first signs of identy theft?

What to do after identity theft UK?

How does post office fraud reporting work?

Is there a special ‘identity theft police report’?

Is there an Action Fraud London?

What is credit fraud protection?

What is royal mail redirection after death?

References:

  1. What is identity theft? – Which?. https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/what-is-identity-theft-a7wcQ6c0RyI1.
  2. Identity fraud and identity theft | Action Fraud. https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/identity-fraud-and-identity-theft.
  3. BBC One – Watchdog – Identity Fraud. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/Pmw0JZLRc3T2NGT8nv78JJ/identity-fraud.
  4. Identity fraud | Police.uk. https://www.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/personal-fraud/identity-fraud/.
  5. Identity theft | Crimestoppers. https://crimestoppers-uk.org/keeping-safe/personal-safety/identity-theft.
  6. How to report identity theft | Equifax UK. https://www.equifax.co.uk/resources/identity-protection/reporting-identity-theft.html.
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