Ask The Expert
How to Avoid ID Theft
It's one of the fastest-growing and most distressing white collar crimes. Read our expert's tips and avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.
Dear Debbie,
I've read quite a bit in the news lately about identity theft. It sounds awful, and I'm very keen to protect myself from becoming a victim in any way I can. What sort of things should I be taking care with in my daily life to make sure this doesn't happen to me? I'm getting really paranoid every time I throw a letter with my address on it into the recycling bag!
Thanks,
Emma
UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:
Hi Emma,
You're right to be nervous. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing 'white collar' crimes in this country, costing the UK economy £1.7 billion a year. An alarming one in four people have either had their identity stolen or know someone who has. That's an extraordinary figure and one which should give us all pause for thought - especially if we are called David, and live in Leicester. Why? Because, according to research conducted by consumer assistance organisation, the CPP Group, Leicester (along with Nottingham, Newport, Colchester and Cambridge) are the most popular identity theft hot spots, and David is the name most often stolen.
So what is identity theft exactly? Well, put simply, it is when someone finds out your personal details and uses them to open bank accounts and get credit cards, loans, state benefits and documents such as passports and driving licenses in your name. Inevitably, this is not just a casual crime, but involves gangs of 'professional'fraudsters who ensnare postmen, delivery drivers and bank officials into their corrupt world.
I've read quite a bit in the news lately about identity theft. It sounds awful, and I'm very keen to protect myself from becoming a victim in any way I can. What sort of things should I be taking care with in my daily life to make sure this doesn't happen to me? I'm getting really paranoid every time I throw a letter with my address on it into the recycling bag!
Thanks,
Emma
UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:
Hi Emma,
You're right to be nervous. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing 'white collar' crimes in this country, costing the UK economy £1.7 billion a year. An alarming one in four people have either had their identity stolen or know someone who has. That's an extraordinary figure and one which should give us all pause for thought - especially if we are called David, and live in Leicester. Why? Because, according to research conducted by consumer assistance organisation, the CPP Group, Leicester (along with Nottingham, Newport, Colchester and Cambridge) are the most popular identity theft hot spots, and David is the name most often stolen.
So what is identity theft exactly? Well, put simply, it is when someone finds out your personal details and uses them to open bank accounts and get credit cards, loans, state benefits and documents such as passports and driving licenses in your name. Inevitably, this is not just a casual crime, but involves gangs of 'professional'fraudsters who ensnare postmen, delivery drivers and bank officials into their corrupt world.
