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Fraudsters are as cunning as the proverbial fox and can make life a misery for their victims. That is why we have compiled 10 Ways to Avoid ID Theft, because knowing how to prevent identity fraud is crucial if you want to stop someone racking up debts in your name.
Many members of the public have at some stage received a bogus email from their “bank” asking them confirm account details. While most of us scoff at the sheer audacity and promptly delete them from our inboxes before you can say ‘Nigeria’, the fraudsters, sadly, have the last laugh. Playing the numbers game ensures that if fraudsters hit enough email accounts it only takes a small proportion to respond and they have all they need to empty your account – fast.
For ID fraud to take place, the thief will need at least one or several pieces of information about you. Typically they will be looking for anything that has your full name, date of birth and address. When ID fraudsters lie in bed at night, they also dream of getting your PIN, passwords and bank account details.
If ID thieves were to make a wish list of 10 most wanted items, it would look a little like this:
1. Bank statement – The stuff dreams are made of for every identity thief everywhere. Not only does it have your name, address and account number on it but it may also indicate how much of an overdraft you have available.
2. Credit card statement – Getting a hold of this little gem can give the fraudster access to a an infinite amount of online purchases.
3. Facebook access – If you have your bankcard stolen the thief may check social networking sites for your date of birth, which often matches PIN numbers. If you do use a social networking site, be aware of the information you are posting on it and take precautions.
4. Three digit code on reverse of credit card – If you regularly shop online you will know that many sites ask you to confirm the security numbers on the reverse of the credit card. This is to ensure you are in possession of the card and have not fraudulently copied the numbers and name from someone’s plastic. The ID fraudster would love to know the security numbers to enable them to use the credit card to a greater extent and may pose as a bank official and call you for the information.
5. Driving licence/passport – Sadly fake licenses and passports are in circulation because many skilled criminals are able to transfer another photograph onto either. If you lose yours, they thief simply has to change the photograph and they have your identity to rack up debt.
6. ‘Phishing e-mail’ – This is a technique we already discussed at the start of the article and many people are already familiar with it. Never reply to an email asking you for your personal details, your bank will never do this. Also, never click a link on a phishing email, it will probably take you to a bogus website designed just to capture your personal information.
7. PINs and passwords – If a criminal wants to empty your bank account they will need your PIN and password, or using a false passport they may ask the bank to change your PIN to one of their choosing.
8. Catalogues – Often seen lying on doorsteps because they cannot fit through the letterbox, these little gems are like Christmas come early to a thief. Most catalogues have your name, address and account number printed on the them, which conveniently for a thief enables them to pose as you over the phone, max your spending limit and have items delivered to your ‘new address’.
9. The CV – It’s no surprise that some online recruitment agencies are advising people to limit the amount of personal information submitted on a CV. After all, your name, address, date of birth, employment history and even your marital status can be very useful to anyone should they wish to impersonate you.
10. Online banking – If you have an online banking account, be aware than your bank will never ask you to confirm any personal information by email. Fraudsters, however, will and many do so by sending you an email with a link to your bank’s website. When in actual fact it isn’t your bank emailing you, nor is it their website, but a façade with the sole purpose of capturing your identification.
For more information see: how to prevent credit card fraud.
