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Types of identity fraud

Reduce the risk

Receipts

Account take-over

This will occur when the fraudster manages to get hold of your bank account or credit card details. Your account will be hijacked and the offender may order a new card or change certain account details, such as the account address.

Reduce the risk:

  • protect items that contain personal details such as statements and receipts
  • throw away these items with care - ideally shred them 
  • if you suspect your mail is being stolen, contact the Royal Mail customer enquiry line: 08457 740 740 - check whether a mail redirection order has been made in your name without your consent
  • be extra careful if you live in a property where other people could have access to your mail
  • if you do not receive expected documents, such as bank or card statements, contact the provider strightaway
  • if you are concerned you may have been a victim, request your own credit file - contact your bank for details
  • don't use the same password for more than one account and never use banking passwords for any other websites - using different passwords increases security and makes it less likely that someone could access any other accounts
  • keep your passwords safe and never record or store them in a manner which leaves them open to theft, such as in your purse or wallet
  • never give personal or account details to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Be suspicious even if they claim to be from your bank or the police. Call them back using a number you know is genuine.

 

Application fraud

This is where your details are used by the fraudster to obtain financial services using your name.

Many victims are people who have recently moved house or recently died.

Reduce the risk:

  • protect items that contain personal details such as statements and receipts
  • Throw away these items with care - ideally shred them first
  • consider using the mailing preference service to limit the amount of unwanted mail you receive
  • if you move house, tell your bank, card issuer and all other organisations that you deal with immediately. Ask the Royal Mail to redirect any mail from your old address to your new one for at least a year
  • check your personal credit file two or three months after you have moved house through any of the three credit reference agencies

 

Card skimming

This usually occurs when someone gets your information by ‘skimming’ or copying your credit card information when you make a purchase.

They often then sell the information to professional criminal gangs. Like phishing, skimming can be used on its own to collect enough information on your credit card to use your card fraudulently without stealing your entire identity.

Reduce the risk:

  • always keep your card in sight when in a shop or restaurant for example
  • check your bank statements regularly to make sure a fraudster is not buying items with your money.

 

Phishing

Phishing involves the use of emails purporting to be from organisations such as banks, other financial institutions and other organisations that legitimately hold personal data. These emails will ask for bank account and credit card details, as well as account passwords.

Do not reply. No legitimate organisation will ever ask for this type of information.

If you do reply, the offenders will use the information either to take over the account, or use the information as the basis to obtain goods and services in your name.

Reduce the risk:

  • if you receive a suspicious email purporting to be from a bona fide institution which requests personal details do not reply to it. Contact the organisation using a number you know to be genuine
  • if you find the email is bogus, report it to the police and the company concerned.Action Fraud UK

 

Report fraud and get advice

You can get more advice and report suspected fraud to Action Fraud UK: