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Smile top ten tips to prevent ID theft

Having your identity stolen can be a nightmare, both emotionally and financially. Unfortunately, identity theft is a crime that is on the rise with one in four adults in the UK having been a victim or knowing someone that has.

Smile, the internet bank, has come up with its top ten tips to prevent ID theft in a bid to combat this ever-increasing figure:

1. Check your statement - If you notice anything strange on your statements or if you think someone may have accessed your accounts, contact your bank immediately.
2. Protect your identity - Invest in a shredder to destroy any paperwork that you wouldn’t want other people getting their hands on.
3. Safeguard your login details - Be aware of others close by who may try to take note of your account information. Don’t choose or change your security details in a public place.
4. Keep your cards safe - Always keep your cards in your possession and never let them out of your sight. Never let anyone know your Personal Identification Number (PIN). When using a cash machine or using your card in a shop beware of anyone trying to watch you enter your PIN.
5. Password caution - Avoid passwords that others can guess. Don’t tell anyone your security details and never ever write them down. Change your security information immediately if you suspect anyone else may have gained access to it.
6. Check your credit file - Check your credit file for accuracy. Look for unauthorised activity, such as new accounts you didn’t open, credit searches by companies you haven't dealt with or address links to addresses you don’t recognise. You can arrange to receive your credit file regularly to monitor credit applications made in your name.
7. Guard against unknown callers - Telephone canvassers – why are they calling you? Never give information to an unknown caller who can’t prove their identity, even if they do claim to be from your bank. Politely offer to call them back if you have any suspicions.
8. On moving home - If you move home, inform all the relevant organisations of your change in address. Consider using a re-direct service for at least a year to make sure all post is forwarded to your new address. Don’t tempt those moving into your old address – a replacement store card or a mail order catalogue arriving at your old address is a gift to a fraudster.
9. Watch your transactions - Be sure you are dealing with a genuine and legitimate company before giving them any account details, particularly if they have approached you.
10. Protect your documents - Keep all your important documents, such as your passport, driving licence, birth/marriage certificate, in a safe place (but not all together, if possible). They are as valuable to a criminal as electrical equipment or jewellery and can be easily sold to an identity fraudster.