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Protect yourself against Identity Theft

 
Here are just a few simple steps you can take immediately to help protect yourself:
 

The post is a source of valuable information for a criminal, but you can reduce the risk of someone stealing personal information from your mail
 

  • Make sure you always use your full and accurate address including postcode for all correspondence. This minimises the risk of your mail going astray.
  • If you move home Royal Mail can redirect your mail for up to 12 months. Visit www.royalmail.com to find out more. Inform all your banks, building societies, credit card providers, the electoral register etc of your new address immediately
  • If you are going away, arrange for Royal Mail to hold your mail for you.
  • Make a note of when mail is due, in particular regular statements or bills. That way you will be aware if they are late or missing. If you are concerned, contact the organisation that sends you the mail or alternatively speak to Royal Mail

Criminals can find all sorts of personal information in your household rubbish, take a few simple actions to help your bins become a no-go zone from criminals
 

  • Keep your bins tidy. Use heavy duty bin liners and tie them up securely.
  • Always shred letters, bills, insurance forms, receipts, any other financial information and other important information before putting them in the bin.
  • Missing a rubbish collection means your bins will be a target for longer. If you go away ask a neighbour to put your bins out to be emptied.

Remember an identity thief can strike anywhere in the world
 

  • Once you have arrived at your destination ensure that your passport and other identifying documents are stored in a secure place, ideally a lockable safe or security box
  • If you need to take credit cards away with you, make sure you make a note of the providers' contact details and make sure you keep your card safe at all times.
  • Pickpockets and thieves tend to target those who look lost or in need of assistance so try to act in a confident manner even if you are lost, and keep your purse out of sight.

Remember an identity thief can strike anywhere in the world
 

  • Check the validity of a website before you enter any personal details. There should be a padlock symbol and the website should begin with https:.. (the 's' signifies secure)
  • Never reveal personal information in response to an email. If you are worried about a hoax email, please see hoax emails
  • Don't open spam emails, sometimes they contain files that indicate if it is an active address, Similarly, if you open an email that offers you the chance to 'unsubscribe', don't reply unless it's from a trusted source.
  • Never open an email from an unknown source
  • If you are suspicious of a link, type in the url yourself - clever criminals disguise their website addresses
  • Avoid using obvious passwords i.e. mother's maiden name. Use a mix of numbers and letters.
  • Ensure that you have virus protection and a firewall, and keep it up to date.
  • If you are disposing of a personal computer, make sure you wipe the hard drive using specialist software applications

There are plenty of distractions on the street at the shop counter and at ATMs
 

  • Always carry the bare minimum with you. Only take the plastic cards with you that you need and don't carry your chequebook with your cards
  • At an ATM if there is someone acting suspiciously nearby or if something looks different or unfamiliar, find another cash point.
  • When using a Chip & PIN card ensure no one can see the PIN number you enter.
  • 'Skimming' a credit or bank card involves swiping it through a reader, which takes the information from your card. This can be used by a fraudster to create a fake card. Always keep your card in sight when making a payment and look out for any suspicious devices if using your card at an ATM.
  • Keep personal documents secure at home, carry the minimum with you and never leave them in your car
  • Never disclose your personal details unless you are confident you know who you're speaking to
  • Check your credit card and bank statements regularly and report unauthorised transactions immediately
  • Be alert and make sure you are aware of the warning signs

 
Don't forget you can check your Capital One credit card account online whenever and wherever you chose. To use your online service sign in or register today.
 

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