DON’T BECOME A VICTIM
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6. CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORT Services like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion let you monitor your credit history. Checking regularly means you can spot unusual activity quickly, such as applications you didn’t make. 7. REDIRECT YOUR POST If you move house, set up a Royal Mail redirect. Unsecured post is one of the simplest ways for fraudsters If you’re responsible for staff, remember that identity fraud isn’t just a personal issue — it’s a workplace one too. Encourage employees to use secure passwords and company-approved systems, especially when working remotely. Provide clear policies for handling customer data, and invest in secure document destruction to prevent sensitive information leaking into the wrong hands. WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE A VICTIM If you suspect you’ve been targeted, act quickly: to get their hands on sensitive information. For businesses: protect your people too
Once they have enough, criminals can impersonate you to apply for credit, drain your bank account, or carry out scams in your name. SPOTTING THE WARNING SIGNS Identity fraud is often invisible until the damage is done. But there are warning signs to watch out for: • Unexpected letters, emails or calls about accounts you don’t recognise. • Bills or statements for services you never signed up for. • Credit refusals despite having a good history. • Bank transactions that don’t look right. • Post that seems to be going missing. Being alert to these early indicators can save a lot of stress later. PRACTICAL TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF The good news? There are plenty of simple steps you can take to reduce the risk: 1. BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR DATA
• Contact your bank immediately to flag any suspicious activity. • Report the fraud to Action Fraud (the UK’s national reporting centre). • Place a fraud alert on your credit file with a credit reference agency. • Change your passwords on all affected accounts. Acting fast can limit the damage and stop fraudsters in their tracks.
Think twice before sharing personal information online. Don’t publish details like your full birthdate or address on social media. In business, make sure sensitive documents are stored securely, not left on desks or in bins.
“FRAUDSTERS DON’T NEED MUCH TO GET STARTED. A NAME, DATE OF BIRTH, ADDRESS, OR BANK DETAIL CAN BE ENOUGH TO BUILD A FALSE IDENTITY”
2. SHRED, DON’T BIN Physical paperwork is still a
goldmine for fraudsters. Shred old bank statements, bills, and anything else containing personal details before disposal. 3. STRENGTHEN YOUR PASSWORDS Use strong, unique passwords for every account. A mix of letters, numbers and symbols makes them harder to crack. Better still, use a password manager to keep track securely. 4. ENABLE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (2FA) Adding an extra step — like a code sent to your phone — makes it much harder for fraudsters to get into your accounts, even if they’ve stolen your password. 5. STAY WARY OF PHISHING Be cautious with emails or texts that urge immediate action. Look closely at sender addresses, and don’t click suspicious links. If in doubt, go directly to the official website instead of following a link.
STAYING ONE STEP AHEAD
The truth is, identity fraud is unlikely to disappear. As technology evolves, so do the tricks criminals use. But by staying informed and building good habits, you can make yourself — and your business — a much harder target. At its heart, protecting against ID fraud is
about awareness and vigilance. Shred that old document, pause before you click, keep your passwords strong, and don’t ignore the warning signs. It’s not about living in fear — it’s about being smart, prepared, and one step ahead. So, as we continue to live and work in an increasingly digital world, take a moment to check your own habits. Small changes today can make a big difference tomorrow — and could save you the time, money, and stress of becoming just another statistic.
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