Useful Tips on Avoiding ID Theft
It has been said many times before but the saying is particularly true in this case the saying is most definitely true. Prevention IS better that cure.
We will try to explain the cause and effect of the heinous crime and hopefully give you some tips on how to avoid being caught in the identity theft fraud crime trap.
Identity Theft Scams
All too often banks would like us to use our place of birth or our mother’s maiden name to gain access to your private and personal bank accounts or UK credit card information. Part of the concern is that once the thieves have your details it is easy for them to find out more and then go to work giving you a poor credit rating and tens of thousands of pound borrowed in your good name.
Once armed with basic details they can acquire copies of your UK credit card bills and bank statements. After this it would appear that it is almost childs play for the criminal to apply for UK credit cards and loans. E-mail scams have had a large part to play with scammers sending out thousands of speculative mail in attempt for someone to open the mail at which point a virus then starts to try and gain any personal information stored on your computer, some other mails appear to be from the best and largest UK credit card issuers and banks asking you to confirm your details via e-mail. Our recommendation is that if you are not expecting your bank to contact you in this way then it’s almost definitely a scammer, delete the mail immediately.
Identity Theft Prevention
 We would also advise shredding your mail, especially the UK credit card applications which are offering pre-approved credit. Remember to advise all of your financial service providers of a change of address if you move home, your local post office may also be a smart move to redirect any forgotten mail.
Checking your credit file regularly (at least once a year) for any suspicious applications which may be fraudulent. Passwords are crucial, we would again advise that you do not use your place of birth or your mother’s maiden name and never use the same password to gain access to any more than one account. Never carry details of your home address with your UK credit cards, remember your driving license states your home address. Finally using a UK credit card with the CHIP & PIN is also currently the best protected card in the UK credit card market
Related Articles:
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Identity Theft
Last year alone fraud cost the UK credit card business over £1billion – and it is estimated that identity theft accounted for approximately 10% of that sum! To try and counter this huge loss, credit card companies have been coming up with ever more innovative and technologically sophisticated cards.
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Credit Card Fraud
As more and more of us use ‘plastic’ rather than cash to pay for our goods and services, the opportunity for fraud has risen dramatically.
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Chip AND PIN
You may have received literature through the door recently from your current credit card provider or be aware of television and radio adverts heralding the arrival of the Chip and PIN scheme, which is currently being rolled out across the country.
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Credit Cards and Consumer Rights
Did you know that when you make payments using credit cards you are entitled to certain consumer rights? These consumer rights protect you against liability, frauds and offer you many other services
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