Home Computer Safety

Many of us probably believe we will not be victims of identity theft and our identity is not at risk. It is. You will be surprised how very easy it is for anyone to obtain financial services and goods in your name, and not just in the virtual world.

Criminals have been known to rifle through bins and garbage in order to find letters and personal statements. Did you know that a person with fraudulent intentions only needs one bank statement in order to have all the details required to steal your identity? It is a sobering thought, especially when we consider what we do with our own bank statements. Therefore it is paramount that you cross shred any financial documents before throwing them away. Tearing or single shredding allows them to be re-assembled, and a determined identity thief will have no problem doing this.

In order for someone to steal your identity, they only need as little information as your name, address, telephone number and date of birth. Think about how easily you give away this information and what information is requested of you when you open a bank account. When I opened a library account I was asked for photo ID, but at the building society no such request was ever made. This is a perfect example of how easy it is to garner financial services for fraudulent use using your identity. You should always be aware of what information you throw in the garbage and what information you freely give away over the telephone.