Protect Yourself From Identity Fraud
By Michael challiner
An ID fraud expert highlights the methods fraudsters use to steal your identity and explains what you can do to prevent it from happening to you. Identity theft is a silent crime - sometimes only noticed after a hard-earned credit rating has been damaged.
Nowadays, data is frequently held electronically but this does not mean that it is any less vulnerable than paper-based data. Take care to limit access to your wireless PC networks and to your passwords. Special software is available for removing data from computer hard drives, and if you are getting rid of your old computer, make sure you do this rather than just deleting documents.
Banks report a huge increase in "phishing" sites; bogus websites created to look exactly like the official site but with the specific aim of getting customers to submit account and security details that will then be used by the fraudsters. Links to these sites are typically within e-mails so it makes more sense to avoid using any links and go directly to the official website.
Recently, there have been concerns over offshore data holding where security legislation is less rigorous than in the UK. There has also been a plethora of laptop computer losses; basically this is tantamount to handing identity thieves sensitive data on a plate.
It is best to be on the ball about protecting your identity. Keeping track of your personal credit file and watching out for unauthorised changes or applications are worthwhile, particularly if you have lost documents as a result of a burglary.
This means you to can contact a lender and deny responsibility for any accounts that are opened fraudulently with your details before the account goes into the red and you are pursued which would affect your credit rating.
Often, being refused credit yourself is the first warning that something is wrong - if that has occurred; your credit file may already be damaged so there is some serious work to be done.
Get a copy of your credit file from Experian, Equifax or Call Credit, the three credit reference agencies in the UK. The report costs just 2 pounds and is available online or in written form. The reports can be difficult to understand so the agencies do offer a more expensive but easier to read version as well.
When you receive it, look for new account openings or changes of address. Immediately contact any provider claiming outstanding amounts and tell them that you are a victim of identity fraud and that you know nothing about the debt.
Remember this is likely to involve a lot of questioning as it means that they will now be the victim and so suffer the loss rather than yourself. Even if they agree to write the debt off immediately, you must also ensure that your credit file is reinstated to the position before to the fraud by making sure the company agrees to pass the information on to the credit reference agencies.
If the company still holds you liable, which is likely (at least until further investigation) put your denial of responsibility to them in writing, recounting the facts as you know them. Be persistent, even if they do continue to hold you liable because unless you keep persevering, you will not get the debt written off.
Identity thieves often make multiple new account applications. If more than one company is involved, you will need to go through the same process with each one. Be aware that you will probably to have to deal with banks or loan companies with whom you have had no previous contact since they were chosen by the fraudster.
In order to protect yourself from becoming a victim again, you should file a "protective registration" with CIFAS. Monitor your credit file regularly and act quickly if you notice any unusual activity.
About the author
If you are applying for a loan and you find out you have a bad credit rating, you may have been a victim of identity fraud. Visit Brokers Online, we offer all types of Loans,even Bad Credit Loans. Brokers Online offers helpful articles and information about Life Insurance, Debt Management and many more financial products. from http://www.FreeArticlesAndContent.com
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