Ablestoke Consulting Scam Avoidance Guides – Identity Fraud
Scams are schemes which are designed to con unwary people out of their money. Scams come in a variety of types and can be quite sophisticated; therefore even experienced people can be caught out. You may well have already come across scams in your life such as letters from abroad asking you to share in a fortune if your bank account can be used to release funds that are locked away overseas, premium rate competition scams, bogus sweepstakes and lotteries, and fake health cures. These are some of the favourite scams used by unscrupulous fraudsters. As the number of scams seems to be increasing, Ablestoke Consulting’s Scam Avoidance Guide is designed to make you aware and save your money.
There can be little worse than someone stealing your identity and using this to run up bills that you end up paying. Using just a few of your personal details, criminals can apply for bank accounts, credit cards, benefits and official documents in your name.
How can someone steal my identity?
· Finding out your bank details
· Stealing or copying your passport or drivers license details
· Copying credit card details
· Using fraudulent websites to gain your personal details
· Going through your dustbin for receipts, letters or envelopes
How do I know if my identity has been stolen?
· Are there unusual payments on your bank statements or credit card statements?
· Has any mail gone missing?
· Have you received bills for goods or services you haven’t bought?
· Are there new credit cards on your credit file?
How to avoid being scammed
· Delete any suspicious emails without opening them
· Always keep your computer protected with a good firewall
· Don’t use the same password all the time
· Never give personal information to people who email or call you
· Never let your credit card out of sight when you are paying for goods
· Don’t respond to emails asking for passwords, bank details or credit card details
- don't buy online unless you see the golden padlock on the payments page, and a web address beginning with 'https'
· Shred unwanted envelopes, letters or any other personal information
· Inform utility companies and authorities when you move home
- keep your banking and credit card PIN numbers safe - no bank will ever phone you to ask for your PIN
- if you live in a shared building, ask your bank if you can pick up cards at your branch
- Monitor your credit report
- Report missing mail to the Royal Mail
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