Identity Theft Protection

To achieve some degree of identity theft protection we need to develop good financial habits.

• Do not carry all your credit and debit cards in your wallet at the same time. If your wallet is lost or stolen then all your financial accounts are at risk.
  
  
• Never divulge account passwords or pin numbers to anyone, either in person, on the telephone, or by email, even if someone says they are from your bank or credit card provider. Reputable companies never ask for this information - PIN or password or any security code.
  
  
• When using a cash machine, make sure no-one is trying to look over your shoulder to see your PIN number input. Protect your information as much as possible.
  
  
• Briefly check the cash machine before you insert your card. If there are any wires or thread coming out of the card slot, or if there appears to be some sort of temporary fixture right above the keypad at the top of the dispenser, don't use the cash machine. It may be rigged for fraud.
  
  
• Always take credit card receipts with you, as well as receipts from a cash dispenser and dispose of them properly. Never leave them behind or throw them away.
  
  

• Burn or shred all financial documents such as bills, receipts and statements, instead of just throwing them away. This includes those pre-approved offers from credit card companies that are received as junk mail. Unlikely as it may seem, identity thieves do pay others to look through people's rubbish for any documents that contain useful personal information. You can buy good, inexpensive paper shredders that are delivered to your door.

• Keep all your personal and financial information in a safe place. Keep with it, a record of all your accounts - name, numbers, contact information - in case you need to telephone in a hurry.
  
  
• Regularly check your bank account and credit card statements in detail. Check them as soon as you receive them. If there are any irregularities, any transactions you know nothing about, take action.
  
  

• If you move to a different address be sure to advise all your financial services providers and get the Post Office to redirect your mail.

• Obtain a copy of your credit report three or four times a year. If you move house, check your credit report 10 - 12 weeks after your move.

• If you order new credit cards or cheque books, keep checking your mail until they arrive. Report non delivery as soon as possible in case mail has gone astray. The card issuer can cancel the cards and re-issue you with new cards.

By introducing these habits into your everyday life you will have a degree of protection against identity theft.  They will become routines you don't have to think twice about.