- Check your credit hasn't been tampered with
- Tips on avoiding identity theft
News of the largest-ever organised fraud, affecting millions of people in the UK and worldwide and costing hundreds of millions of dollars, has exposed gaping holes in the security protecting our personal information, such as the credit and debit card details we give when we're shopping and even the passwords we use at the bank.
In this case, an international network of criminals stretching from the US to Ukraine and China used sophisticated scanners and hacking techniques to get into the computer networks of shops and banks.
They are believed to have stolen at least 41 million sets of credit and debit card details, sold some via a website and used others themselves - but your personal data can be lost in much simpler ways, from having your pocket picked to having your bins raided for bank and card statements thrown out with the rubbish.
Here are some steps you can take if you're worried you might be at risk of identity fraud - however the crooks try to target you.
• Never throw away anything that could be used to steal your identity. The list doesn't stop at the obvious, such as bank and card statements, old driving licences or passport application forms.
Even a catalogue order form with your name, address and account number will do for an identity thief. Always shred sensitive documents before you bin them.
• Don't share confidential information, such as PINs, bank account details and passwords. Friends and family don't need to know and strangers cold-calling or e-mailing shouldn't even ask - no reputable company would.
• Check your credit card and bank statements. An unidentified or suspicious transaction is often the first sign of fraud.
• Get to know your credit report - the personal history of the loans, cards, mortgages and other credit you've taken out. It gives you a snapshot of your financial history. If you see anything unusual, such as an application for a card, loan or mortgage that you didn't make, contact the lender and let them know.
You should also contact the credit reference agency that holds your credit report.
• You don't need important documents such as your passport, NI and medical cards on a day-to-day basis, so don't carry them around. Lock them up safely at home if you don't need them - they are a gift to ID thieves if they're stolen.
• Report thefts to the police and any other relevant organisations, such as your bank or credit card issuer, to warn them about potential fraudulent approaches in your name.
• Get mail forwarded when you move and notify the Post Office immediately if any of your mail is going missing - thieves may be intercepting it.
• Register to vote at your current address. Lenders use the electoral roll to prove that you are who you say you are and live where you say you do - and it prevents fraudsters from impersonating you.
• Monitor your credit report regularly. This is such an effective precaution against ID fraud that it's recommended by the Home Office.
Your credit report changes as your circumstances change, so you need to look at it regularly to be sure that it remains accurate and up to date.
