Identity theft occurs when a criminal gains access to your personal information such as your name, address, date of birth or bank account details. Identity theft can have particularly damaging consequences. A criminal can use your stolen identity to access your bank account, obtain credit cards or loans in your name, claim welfare benefits, and potentially ruin your credit rating.

Protection Tips

• Secure your personal documents at home, especially when you are travelling, and if you need to, securely destroy them;
• Secure your mailbox with a lock and when you move, redirect your mail;
• Secure your computer and mobile phone with security software and strong passwords, and avoid using public computers for sensitive activities;
• Be cautious about using social media and limit the amount of personal information you publish online;
• Do not give personal or financial information over the internet or phone in case it is a scam;
• When someone asks you for personal or financial information, ask yourself whether there is a legitimate reason for them to request this information and do not provide information to someone you do not know or trust;
• Investigate the arrival of new credit cards you didn’t ask for or bills for goods and services that aren’t yours;
• Regularly review your bank statements and be alert for any unusual bank transactions or missing mail; and
• Order a free copy of your credit report from a credit reporting agency on a regular basis, particularly if your identity has been stolen.