National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO) London Branch

identity theft In an article first publish in LPP Issue 123 (December 2006), Richard Jenkins-Cook suggested that you make yourself aware of the facts about one of the UK fastest growing crimes. Today it still applies that you should take all the necessary steps to protect yourself. What is Identity Theft? It is quite simply someone stealing your identity for fraudulent purposes. The most recent figures issued by the Home Office suggest that identity fraud cost the UK economy a staggering £1.7billion per annum. How is this done? Criminals can steal your identity and personal information by any of the following methods: 1. Finding lost or stolen important documents such as passports or driving licences in your name. 2. Going through your rubbish and finding letters etc sent to you. (People have already been arrested for this.) 3. Stealing mail addressed to you from you bank, credit card issuer or building society. 4. Accessing your computer without your knowledge. ***** How can I prevent this? 1. Check bank, building society and credit card statements as soon as they arrive and if they show transactions that you do not recognise, telephone the pertinent company and register your concern. Cancel all lost or stolen credit or bank cards immediately. 2. Inform the authorities if your driving licence or passport is lost or stolen. If you think your mail is being stolen, call the Royal Mail Customer Enquiry. 3. Keep all personal papers secure — preferably under lock and key. Shred all letters and documents that you receive with your name and address on them. (Shredders are very cheap these days and could be you best investment.) 4. Check your credit file regularly with one of the three credit reference agencies — Call Credit, Experian or Equifax — it only costs a couple of pounds 5. If you receive a telephone call from someone informing you they are calling from your bank, do not give them any information. If they ask for your date of birth, your password or PIN number do not give it to them, as they should have this on record and they should be able to give all this information to you. 6. If you have a computer and are connected to the internet ensure that you have anti virus protection plus firewall protection from a reputable company. This will alert you to any potential threat, and give you the opportunity to deal with the threat accordingly. ***** What can criminals gain from stealing my identity? 1. They can obtain false driving licences or passports. 2. They can apply for loans and credit cards in your name — they can even claim benefits you are entitled to. 3. They can also withdraw cash at a ATM daily, until it is spotted and the card is cancelled. ***** So what do I do? 1. Don’t become a victim — ensure that you make it impossible for someone to steal your identity. 2. If you do become a victim contact your local police immediately as well as your bank, card issuers etc. 3. If you want further information, this can be obtained from major banks, from Her Majesty’s Stationery Office (HMSO) or, through the internet on the comprehensive website www.identitytheft.org.uk ***** © Copyright NARPO (London Branch), All rights reserved.