Document Publication date February 26, 2019
Identity theft is an increasing threat to every one of us. It’s not always easy to recover from, so it’s best to make it as hard as you possibly can for identity thieves.
They’ll go through your rubbish to find your financial details. They’ll sweep or swipe your personal data from social media accounts like Twitter and Facebook. They’ll use those details to open accounts, get credit and spend money in your name. They’ll stop at nothing to use your identity at your expense, potentially landing you with big bills and a bad credit rating.
So where do you start in preventing identity theft?
Key steps to protect your ID
There are 6 sensible precautions you can take which can help you avoid Identity Theft and the anxiety it can cause.
Keep your PIN safe
Get a shredder
Lock down your phone – with a passcode
Protect yourself online
Always check bank statements
Regularly check your credit reference files
There are also some expert bodies and key contacts you can turn to for further information or assistance regarding identity theft.
Get Safe Online
www.getsafeonline.org
Financial Conduct Authority
12 Endeavour Square
London
E20 1JN
Tel: 0800 111 6768
www.fca.org.uk/consumers
Home Office
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
Tel: 020 7035 4745
www.homeoffice.gov.uk
Royal Mail
Customer Enquiries
Tel: 08457 740 740
www.royalmail.com
Crimestoppers
Tel: 0800 555 111
www.crimestoppers-uk.org
HM Passport Office
P.O. Box 767
Southport, PR8 9PW
Tel: 0300 222 0000
www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports
DVLA (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency)
Drivers Customer Services (DCS)
DVLA
Swansea SA6 7JL
Tel: 0300 790 6801
www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla
CIFAS Protective Registration Service
Capital House
E-State
Bankhead Crossway South
Edinburgh, EH11 4EP
Tel: 0330 1000 180
www.cifas.org.uk
Financial Fraud Action UK
www.financialfraudaction.org.uk
National Crime Agency
Units 1-6 Citadel Place
Tinsworth St
London, SE11 5EF
Tel: 0370 496 7622
www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/
identity-crime
Cyberaware
www.cyberaware.gov.uk
