Get Identity fraud Guidelines

What is identity fraud?

Identity theft or identity fraud involves the use of an individual's identifying details (such as name, date of birth, current or previous address, mother's maiden name) without their knowledge or consent. These identity details are used by the thief to obtain goods or services, loans, passports, credit cards or bank accounts in the victim's name.

What are the consequences of identity theft?

It may be many weeks before an individual discovers that their identity has been used fraudulently, by which time huge debts may have been run up in their name. It is a harrowing experience for the victim. Resolving the matter and restoring their credit rating can take many months of stress and expense.

How can it be prevented?

It's important to be vigilant and to take steps to protect your personal details. To a criminal, these are as valuable as cash. Take a look at some of the steps you can take to prevent identity theft.

To avoid becoming a victim, it's helpful to be aware of all the common methods of identity theft. Take a look at our list of the most common forms of identity theft below, which will help you to stay alert to the risks.

How can thieves steal your identity?

Phishing and pharming

These are scams in which criminals send bogus emails to thousands of people. The emails look like they have come from trusted organisations, such as banks, credit card companies and online stores. They usually contain compelling messages, urging the recipient to click on a link to visit a supposedly trusted website. If the victim clicks on the link they are taken to a website that looks like the real thing, where they are prompted to enter their personal details. The criminals can then use this information to impersonate the victim and commit identity fraud. Fraudsters may also call you on the phone, pretending to be from your bank or credit card company, asking you for personal details.

Burglary

These days, your passport, bank statements and driving licence are more valuable to a burglar than your TV or CD player - and much easier to carry away. Using the personal details contained in these documents, thieves can commit all manner of crimes in your name, from falsely obtaining credit, cards, loans, mobile phone and services to contracts and even mortgages and benefits.

Theft of wallet or purse

We all carry around so many cards in our wallets and purses that these are now prime targets for criminals. Using the details on your cards, identity thieves can very quickly run up huge debts in your name. It's particularly easy for them to do this online, where all the details they need to make purchases are stored on your cards.

Mail redirection or interception

If your mailbox is outside your house or if you live in a shared house or apartment block with a communal post area, criminals can easily intercept your mail. It's a simple way to get hold of your bank statements, utility bills and other documents containing personal information. Fraudsters can even use your details to have your mail redirected to them. It's then very easy for them to assume your identity and quickly build up debts in your name.

Stolen or cloned registration plates

If your registration plates are stolen, don't just assume it's a case of petty vandalism. Criminals can use them to commit driving offences and avoid paying speeding or parking fines and congestion charges, as well as committing more serious crimes. If the criminal uses the same make, model and colour of car as yours, it can be very difficult to prove your innocence.

Cloned or skimmed cards

There are various ways in which a fraudster can 'skim' your credit or debit card to obtain the details from it. All they need to do is swipe your card through a device that collects the details stored on its magnetic stripe. A criminal could do this in a shop or restaurant if your card is taken out of your sight when you are paying. It only takes a matter of seconds to do. They can also attach a skimming device to a cashpoint so that it collects your details and PIN number when you use your card to withdraw cash. Or they can simply intercept cards sent to you in the post and skim the details. With your card details, identity thieves can make major purchases and leave you to pick up the bill.

Bin raiding

Any discarded bills, statements, wage slips or even junk mail that criminals find in your rubbish or recycling bins can be used to steal your identity and obtain goods and services in your name. The best solution is to shred any documents that contain your name and address.

Deceased fraud

This type of identity theft involves the criminal assuming the identity of someone they know to have died. This type of fraud is particularly difficult to detect since the person being impersonated can do nothing about it. Criminals may obtain the details of deceased persons from mail sent to their former address.

Unsolicited contact

Be wary of unsolicited telephone calls from banks, credit card companies and other retailers or financial organisations. Never give your personal details, not even your name, to anyone claiming to be calling from one of these organisations. Criminals can sound very credible and they prey on vulnerable people who may not be aware of the dangers. Even seemingly innocuous personal details can be used by criminals to find out more about you and gather enough information to steal your identity.

Personal information online

Identity thieves can potentially access a great deal of information about you online. They may get this from a variety of sources such as social networking sites, blogs, gaming and dating sites. It’s very easy to give away personal information without intending to. Try to disclose as little as possible about yourself and avoid using your real name online – except on secure bank, auction and shopping sites. It’s alarming how little of your personal information an identity thief needs to be able to use it for criminal purposes.

Advance-fee fraud

This type of fraud plays to an individual’s greed. The initial notification usually comes by email, offering the recipient an unmissable opportunity to make a substantial fortune. The only catch is that there is a relatively small initial fee to pay, which is insignificant in comparison to the promised pay-off. Unfortunately the initial fee is real, but the promised reward is not. The types of reward offered can include accessing the forgotten funds of a former regime or deposed dictator, lottery wins or transferring funds from ‘over-invoiced’ contracts. Victims can be drawn into very elaborate cons and stand to lose substantial sums of money. Many of these frauds originated in West Africa, but they have now grown worldwide.