AVOIDING FRAUD (including ID Theft)
Some general advice
Fraud takes many forms. This booklet provides information about the various common types of fraud, how to recognise the dangers and what to do if you find that you have become a victim. There are some general steps you can take to protect yourself. If you follow these precautions in your everyday life, you can limit your vulnerability.
• Never give out personal information (name, address, bank details, email or phone number, for example) to any organisations or individuals before verifying their credentials.
• Distrust emails from unknown sources. Many frauds start with a ‘phishing’ email. Remember that banks and financial institutions will not send you
an email asking you to confirm your bank details by replying or clicking on a ink. Never trust such emails, even if they look genuine.
• Always destroy and preferably shred receipts containing your card details. The same applies to any post which carries your name and address. Identity fraudsters need only basic information in order to clone your identity.
• Make sure that your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and that a firewall is installed. Ensure that your browser is set to the highest level of security notification and monitoring to prevent malware issues and computer crimes.
• Take care when shopping online. Sign up to Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code whenever you are given the option.
• Take immediate action if you receive bills, invoices or receipts for goods or services that you have not bought, or if financial institutions that you don’t normally deal with contact you about outstanding debts. Your identity may well have been stolen.
• Get a copy of your credit file and check it regularly for entries you don’t recognise.
• If you have been a victim of fraud, the problems may not end there. Be on your guard against fraud recovery fraud (see page 5), when fraudsters pretend to be a lawyer or a law enforcement officer and tell you they can help you recover the money that you have already lost.
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