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"How people increase the risk of becoming victims of identity theft and fraud"

By admin | January 7th, 2008 | Featured, General

The issues surrounding identity theft and fraud have become increasingly serious over recent years, and many consumers in the UK have suffered a great deal of damage, both financial and personal, as a result of becoming the victims of identity theft and fraud. Thieves and criminals have become increasingly sophisticated in the methods that they use to conduct criminal activity these days, and identity theft has become a hit amongst the more sophisticated criminal that wants to operate on a more subtle basis.

Unfortunately most consumers make it all too easy for these criminals to get their hands on the information that they need to conduct fraud and theft right from under their very noses, and often the victim does not even realise that he or she has become the victim of crime until it is far, far too late. By this point the damage has been done, and all that the victim can do is chalk it down to experience – but in some cases some people do not even do this, going on to make the same mistake again without thinking twice.

There are a number of ways in which people tend to increase the chances of becoming the victims of identity theft and fraud. One of the most common mistakes made these days is to leave sensitive data in rubbish bags outside the house. Many people think nothing of throwing bank account information, statements, personal letters and data, and more into the waste without even taking the time to tear it up, and nothing gives these thieves more pleasure than to discover a trash bag full of treasure like this.

Another common mistake is being careless with your account details, either in relation to your bank account or in relation to your credit or debit cards. Some people make the mistake of giving their account details to someone on the phone who claims to be from a company, or in some cases claims to be from the bank. You should never do this – the only time you should give your account details over the phone is if you have made the call yourself and you know the company that you are on to.

Many people commonly give their details in response to emails, often linking to fake websites via the email and then entering their account numbers, which are then seized by fraudsters. Never link to a site, including your bank, from an email and then enter account details, as this puts you at increased risk of becoming the victim of fraud.

A lot of people use their computers to make purchases and check bank statements these days, and this is fine as long as you are careful. For example, make sure you always make purchases through secure, encrypted websites. Also, never save account and password details on a computer that is shared with others.

Tags: identity theft, fraud

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