Identity theft is when someone (or a group of people) illegally obtains private and personal information about another person. This could be:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number and email address
- National Insurance Number
- Passwords
- Bank details
- Debit or credit card information
How can people steal your personal information?
Hacking
Some hackers will access your social media accounts to get private information which they can use to work out passwords. Other hackers may break into the websites of large companies to steal information or take over the website and pretend to be them. This means if you make a purchase they will gain your personal information.
Malware
Malware (short for malicious software) is a type of computer virus that, having gained access to your computer, tablet or mobile phone) can damage the device and record personal information such as passwords or bank details.
Malware can access your device in many ways including spam emails, software downloaded online or a USB drive.
Bank card skimming
Bank card skimming is when a device is used to copy details from a bank card (such as the card number). Usually, a device is attached to an ATM machine or card reader which then copies the information when you use your card to pay for something.
Bank card scanning
Bank card scanning is when someone uses a card-reading machine or software to scan the details from your bank card using Near Field Technology. The person can use this information to make contactless purchases.
Theft
Although most fraudsters act using the internet nowadays, it is possible to obtain some personal information about you by stealing your wallet or bag. After all, your wallet will contain your bank cards or receipts from previous purchases. Plus some people carry other items in their bag such as their mobile phone, address book and letters.
[convertful id=”169165″]
Bin raiding
As disgusting as raiding someone’s bin is, fraudsters often go through outside bins searching for letters, bank statements, bills, insurance documents or any other document that is likely to contain personal information.
Phishing
Phishing is when fraudsters send emails, text messages, letters or phone calls pretending to be genuine organisations such as banks, shops or government departments. They will either ask you to click on a link or provide your personal information such as bank details or passwords. A common tactic is to inform you that you are at risk of something to encourage you to respond quickly. For example, they may tell you that if you do not respond with your bank details your account may be at risk. Read more about phishing here.
How to prevent people from identity theft?
There are several easy ways to stop people from stealing your personal information:
- Shred any documents containing personal information before throwing them in the bin
- Make sure your computer security software is up to date
- Don’t open or respond to suspicious emails or text messages. Just delete them and block the number/address
- If you receive an email, text message or phone call claiming to be from a real organisation double check they are genuine
- Do not use an ATM or card reader if the machine looks suspicious or if it has been tampered with
- When making a financial transaction online make sure the website is genuine and secure. A secure website will start with “https”
- When paying by card in a shop cover your card when entering your PIN number. Do not leave your card lying on a surface and never let your card leave your sight
- If you need to give out personal information such as your address or phone number make sure no one else can hear you
Follow us on Twitter @BeInTheKnow_UK
