Strathclyde Police Warning on Identity Theft Fraud, Scam and Boiler Room Associates

Your identity value and how to protect your details against identity theft. As technology advances, fraudsters have become increasingly sophisticated.  The following pages from Strathclyde Associates Police highlight some recent types of fraud which are causing concern and give you advice about how to avoid being a victim.
Identity theft is a growing problem. 
This type of fraud involves criminals accessing your personal information and using it to ‘steal’ your identity.  In other words, they can pretend to be you in order to open bank accounts, get credit cards, loans, mortgages or to claim benefits. They could even take over your existing accounts and change the supplied address.
The result? You could be plunged into a nightmare situation where your credit history is ruined and you have to correct your record. The majority of victims ARE reimbursed by their banks, but it is a terrible experience nonetheless.
How the fraudsters operate
Fraudsters use a number of methods to obtain your information. They can:
•    Target flats where shared mail boxes make theft easier
•    Bribe robbers or postal workers to hand over items containing your information
•    Search unattended bags
•    Rifle through your rubbish to find bills or bank statements which you have thrown out.
Be alert.  There are warning signs to look out for.  If you receive bills or invoices for goods you have not ordered, collection letters for debt you have not accrued or there are transactions on your bank/credit card statements that you do not recognise, then you are at risk. Also be aware if important documents, like your passport or driving licence, have been stolen.
What You Can Do
•    Keep all your important documents safe and secure - do not compromise you personal details.
•    When using a credit or debit card , make sure it is never out of your sight.
•    Be wary if ATMs look as though they have tampered with, your cards could be skimmed and cloned.
•    Never reveal your details when you are contacted by phone, fax, post or email if you believe the request not to be genuine. Always offer to ring back any suspicious callers.
•    Destroy, preferably shred, all documents which may contain your information, such as bank statements and utility bills.
•    Properly check all your bank/credit card statements and immediately report any transactions you do not recognise (even small amounts).
•    Formally close all accounts you no longer require.
•    Move your mail - when moving home. It is vital you notify all relevant organisations of your change of address.
If You Think You Are a Victim
•    Contact  your bank or building society and keep a record of all communication.
•    Call your local police and report the matter – ask for a crime reference number.
•    Request a copy of your credit report (Equifax or Experian). You can ask for incorrect information to be removed.