Fraud Prevention
Check your credit file regularly
This should show up any unauthorised accounts or uses of your information. Becoming aware of fraud or mistakes early on can prevent it from totally wrecking your finances.
If you find any problems you should look to immediately freeze any fraudulent accounts and contact the police if you are suspicious.
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Personal information
You should never give out your credit card number or other personal details for any purpose other than one you fully understand. Whether on the phone, by mail, or on the Internet, the same rules apply and you should look to use another kind of identifier.
Protect your post
To prevent information being available to thieves; receipts, credit applications, insurance forms, bank statements, expired charge cards, and credit offers should all be torn or shredded before being thrown out.
When sending post it should be placed in post office collection boxes or at your local post office. Received post should be removed from your postbox as soon as possible after delivery. If you plan to go away, consider using the Royal Mail's Keepsafe service.
Guard your credit cards
Try and carry as few credit cards as possible in your wallet. If you lose a card, immediately get in touch with the fraud division of the credit card company.
If you apply for a new credit card and it doesn't arrive within the normal amount of time, you should again contact the issuer.
When using a credit card in a shop be aware of what the cashier is doing and also, when you receive a new card, sign it in permanent ink and activate it immediately.
Be aware of when you receive bills
If your bills do not appear when you expect them, it may mean that an identity thief has taken over your account and changed your billing address -contact your creditors as soon as possible.
Be aware of protecting personal information in your home, particularly if you are having work done - it may be worth getting outside help, or having a flat mate.
Find out who has access to your information at work. Be sure to verify that records are kept in a secure location, and are accessible only to employees who have a legitimate reason to access it.
Passwords and PINs
Memorise your passwords and personal identification numbers instead of carrying them with you. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, your phone number, or a series of consecutive numbers.