What is it???

Identity fraud is the UK ’s fasted growing type of fraud. There is one case of identity theft committed every four minutes and it is costing UK consumers more than £1.3 billion each year. Fraudsters are able to steal an identity by simply getting hold of personal details – from documents such as bank statements, credit card receipts and bills. A common way of gaining this information is through ‘bin raiding’ – the simple act of delving through household waste to find personal documents.  More in this downloadable leaflet

How can I avoid becoming a victim?

Shred paper work which reveals personal information such as letters from your bank or shopping receipts. Argos have some really cheap shredders which are ideal like for under a tenner- 5 Sheets Strip Cut Paper Shredder.

Always keep important personal documents, plastic cards and cheque books in a safe and secure place. Keep cheque books cards separately. 

Don't share personal information unless you are entirely confident you know who you are dealing with.

Always check bank statements, and check receipts against your statements carefully.

Contact your bank or building society immediately if you are concerned about an expenditure you do not recognise.

Be aware that your post is valuable information in the wrong hands.

Guard your cards.

If you move house make sure you contact your bank and all other organisations to give them your change of address (the Post Office can redirect post on request).

You can also find out for free what the credit card companies and banks have on file for you.  There is a 30 day free trial on offer for credit expert which gives access to all of this information and more.  It can also help to protect you against identity theft as it has an online monitoring system for credit applications etc.