In the October print issue of the magazine we warned of ?bin raiders? who steal people?s identities from data in dustbins, to carry out frauds. A credit information provider seconds this warning.
In the October print issue of the magazine we warned of ?bin raiders? who steal people?s identities from data in dustbins, to carry out frauds. A credit information provider seconds this warning.
Consumers need to be aware of the risks and make sure they report any crime to the police as soon as it happens. Often victims of identity fraud don’t realise anything is wrong until bills and statements arrive demanding payment. Thieves will often use documents and credit card receipts to adopt the identity of their victim and then apply for credit cards, store cards and loans. Although lenders conduct thorough checks to ensure an application for credit is genuine, fraudsters have developed sophisticated ways to slip through the net. If an individual suspects that they are the victim of fraud there are a number of steps they should take to minimise the risk of identity fraud. Firstly, they should inform the police and the lender concerned, if known. Secondly, they should notify CIFAS (Credit Industry Fraud Avoidance Scheme) which runs a Protective Registration service and a notice will be placed on the individual’s credit file indicating that documents have been stolen and that they may therefore be at risk of identity fraud. The lender may have already detected the fraud, in which case a CIFAS entry is automatically placed on the individual’s credit file.
Michael Shannon
Managing Director, Equifax
25 Chapel Street, London NW1 5DS
