Identity Fraud

August 5th, 2006

Sometimes when I open my bank statement or credit card bill I wish someone would nick my identity! They are welcome to the debts! On the other hand, I am fortunate enough to be able to pay my way, which I suppose if someone did steal my identity, might not always be the case.

It’s not so much the fact that someone has assumed your identity, but that they can destroy your credit rating. So next time you go to open a store account, apply for a new credit card or even go to sign up on a mobile phone contract, you could be subject to the ignominy of having your application declined. And you are innocent - despite the no doubt annoyingly ‘knowing’ smirk of the sales person as they tear up your application. It happened to a friend of mine. On a healthy salary and with money in the bank, she couldn’t understand why she was refused – loudly and with an interested queue of shoppers behind her – for a store card. She decided to check her credit rating and found that she had become a victim of identity fraud. Go on line at www.callcredit.co.uk, www.experian.co.uk or www.equifax.co.uk and check out your position. Keep a glass of something restorative close to hand - just in case!

You can protect yourself against Identity Fraud and save yourself from that ice-cold feeling that you get when finding you have unwittingly become a financial outcast. Simple steps to protect yourself include shredding all credit card bills, bank statements, utility bills and anything with any information about you on it. Watch your use of debit/credit cards at ATM’s, electronic paying systems – and of course, on the web. Don’t lose sight of your plastic cards, your driving licence or your passport.

If you are in business, then be extra vigilant. And get the message home to your staff. Letter headed paper, old sales invoices, petty cash slips – anything with information can be used to access company records without you even knowing it. You could be trading in God knows what sort of commodity half way round the world, or borrowing vast sums of money. And these might not be the diversification or expansion plans you quite had in mind. Have a look at www.shredding.info/whats_new.htm. Phs has sponsored a brochure which tells you all you need to know to protect yourself, family and business from Identity Fraud. It contains loads of information, an introduction from the Met Police and has all the contact details you will ever need should you fall victim to this loathsome crime. Copies are available from Anthony@shredding.info

If you’ve had experience of ID Fraud, let us know. Not because we want to gloat, but it’s good to share. There is still a stigma attached to having credit declined, or finding your bank balance wiped to zero. It’s nothing to be ashamed of – as criminals get cleverer we have to fight back harder to protect ourselves. Tell us if it’s happened to you.

Written by Anthony Pearlgood - Visit Website

Entry Filed under: Recycling